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

Formula: W-W-W-H-W-W-H
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.

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.