Scale
B Lydian Dominant Scale
Interactive keyboard
Highlighted notes form this scale.
Notes
B · C♯ · D♯ · E♯ · F♯ · G♯ · A
Root: B
Intervals
1 · 2 · 3 · ♯4 · 5 · 6 · ♭7
How it is built
This scale starts on B and applies the intervals 1, 2, 3, ♯4, 5, 6, ♭7. The result contains 7 distinct pitch classes per octave.
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Guide and musical context
About B Lydian Dominant Scale
B Lydian Dominant Scale uses the notes B, C♯, D♯, E♯, F♯, G♯, A. Its character is bright and dominant at once because it combines sharp four and flat seven.
Character and sound
Bright and dominant at once because it combines sharp four and flat seven.
Musical context and history
Lydian dominant is the fourth mode of modern melodic minor and holds an important place in jazz improvisation vocabulary.
How and where it is used
Use it over non-resolving dominants, 7♯11 chords and harmony combining dominant function with Lydian color.
In Theory view you can hear the pitch collection without depending on a specific fingering. Then switch to Piano, Guitar, Ukulele or Mandolin to see how the same notes are physically distributed on each instrument.
Harmonic and musical relationships
A practical way to understand this scale is to compare it with the major and minor scales starting on B. The altered notes are exactly what create its characteristic color.
The formula on this page is 1 · 2 · 3 · ♯4 · 5 · 6 · ♭7 and, from B, produces the notes B · C♯ · D♯ · E♯ · F♯ · G♯ · A.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the B Lydian Dominant Scale?
The notes are B, C♯, D♯, E♯, F♯, G♯, A.
What is its interval formula?
The formula is 1 · 2 · 3 · ♯4 · 5 · 6 · ♭7.
How does it sound and what is it used for?
Bright and dominant at once because it combines sharp four and flat seven. Use it over non-resolving dominants, 7♯11 chords and harmony combining dominant function with Lydian color.
Can I view it on a specific instrument?
Yes. Use the selector near the top to switch between Piano, Guitar, Ukulele and Mandolin without changing the musical combination you are studying.