ScalesBb Lydian
Guitar scale · fretboard map
Bb Lydian Scale
The Bb Lydian scale is built from the notes Bb, C, D, E, F, G, and A, also known as the Lydian mode. The diagram below maps every one of those notes across the guitar neck, from the open strings up to the 12th fret, with the root Bb highlighted.
The lydian scale is a major scale with a raised fourth: bright and floating, the dreamy sound of a lot of film music.
Notes in the Bb Lydian scale
Bb1
C2
D3
E#4
F5
G6
A7
Bb Lydian scale on the fretboard
root (Bb) other scale notes
Explore this on the interactive fretboard →
The free Fretboard Explorer lets you switch keys and see the CAGED shapes and scale overlays tile the whole neck.
Other scales in Bb
Bb MajorBb Natural MinorBb Major PentatonicBb Minor PentatonicBb BluesBb DorianBb PhrygianBb MixolydianBb Harmonic Minor
The lydian scale in other keys
Frequently asked questions
- What notes are in the Bb Lydian scale?
- The Bb Lydian scale contains 7 notes: Bb, C, D, E, F, G, and A. As scale degrees those are 1, 2, 3, #4, 5, 6, 7.
- How do you play the Bb Lydian scale on guitar?
- Every note above is shown on the fretboard diagram, from the open strings up to the 12th fret, with the root (Bb) highlighted. The pattern is movable: learn the shape once and you can slide it to start on any root. Anchor your playing to the Bb notes so the scale sounds resolved.
- What is the Bb Lydian scale used for?
- The lydian scale is a major scale with a raised fourth: bright and floating, the dreamy sound of a lot of film music. Once the shape is under your fingers, try improvising over a backing track in Bb and listen for how each note pulls back toward the root.