E Lydian Mode
Notes in the E Lydian Mode
| Degree | Name | Note | Frequency (A=440) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | E | 329.628 Hz |
| 2 | Supertonic | F♯ | 369.994 Hz |
| 3 | Mediant | G♯ | 415.305 Hz |
| ♯4 | Lydian 4th | A♯ | 466.164 Hz |
| 5 | Dominant | B | 493.883 Hz |
| 6 | Submediant | C♯ | 277.183 Hz |
| 7 | Leading Tone | D♯ | 311.127 Hz |
Interval Pattern
| Step | Interval | Semitones | From Note | To Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | E | F♯ |
| 2 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | F♯ | G♯ |
| 3 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | G♯ | A♯ |
| 4 | Half Step (H) | 1 | A♯ | B |
| 5 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | B | C♯ |
| 6 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | C♯ | D♯ |
| 7 | Half Step (H) | 1 | D♯ | E |
Chords Built on Scale Degrees
| Degree | Note | Chord | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E | E | major |
| 2 | F♯ | F♯ | major |
| 3 | G♯ | G♯ minor | minor |
| ♯4 | A♯ | A♯ diminished | diminished |
| 5 | B | B | major |
| 6 | C♯ | C♯ minor | minor |
| 7 | D♯ | D♯ minor | minor |
Key Signature
4 ♯ — The E key signature uses F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯.
E Lydian Mode in Practice
The E Lydian Mode uses the key signature of 4 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯). E major has four sharps and a powerful, resonant sound particularly suited to guitar. It is one of the most common keys in rock and blues music. On guitar, E positions offer open-string resonance for fingering positions for this scale.
The Lydian mode features a raised 4th degree, creating a dreamy, ethereal sound. It is frequently used in film music and progressive rock for its otherworldly, floating quality. When played starting on E, the 7 notes are E, F♯, G♯, A♯, B, C♯, D♯. In this key the signature has 4 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯). E is the lowest open string on standard-tuned guitar and bass, making it the most resonant key for rock and metal power chord riffs. Jazz guitarists use E for bossa nova and smooth jazz because the open low E provides a warm bass foundation beneath complex chord voicings.
Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments
Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.
| Note | Equal Temp. | Pythagorean | Just Intonation |
|---|---|---|---|
| E | 329.628 Hz | 330.001 Hz | 327.032 Hz |
| F♯ | 369.994 Hz | 371.251 Hz | 367.911 Hz |
| G♯ | 415.305 Hz | 417.657 Hz | 418.601 Hz |
| A♯ | 466.164 Hz | 463.538 Hz | 470.926 Hz |
| B | 493.883 Hz | 495.000 Hz | 490.548 Hz |
| C♯ | 277.183 Hz | 278.437 Hz | 279.067 Hz |
| D♯ | 311.127 Hz | 309.026 Hz | 313.951 Hz |
Related Scales
Guitar: E Lydian Mode Positions
The E key offers 4 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯) on guitar. Sharp-side keys like E are idiomatic guitar keys because open strings (E, A, D, G, B, E) align with the scale's natural resonance points.