E Lydian Minor Guitar Scale — Drop D
Guitar scale in Drop D tuning — fretboard diagram
E Lydian Minor in Drop D — Notes and Intervals
The E Lydian Minor scale is a unique scale that blends Lydian brightness with a layer of minor-key melancholy. On Guitar, the notes are E, F#, G#, A#, B, C, D. It provides a sophisticated, bittersweet color that is perfect for modern film scores and emotive jazz solos. Commonly used in Film Scores, Jazz, Progressive. Notable players include Danny Elfman, Brad Mehldau. Use over m7#11 chords. A specialized color for emotive jazz and cinematic passages that need emotional complexity.
Notes: E, F#, G#, A#, B, C, D
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 #4 5 b6 b7
Formula: W-W-W-H-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-E)
About Drop D Tuning
Drop D tuning lowers the 6th string from E to D, giving you instant access to heavy power chords with a single finger. This deceptively simple change opens up a world of heavier riffs, deeper bass notes, and new chord voicings that are impossible in standard tuning. The low D string creates a powerful foundation for rhythm playing while keeping the rest of the fretboard familiar.
Drop D is one of the most versatile alternate tunings in modern music. From the crunchy riffs of grunge and alternative rock to the thunderous breakdowns of metal, this tuning has shaped the sound of countless iconic songs. It's also surprisingly useful for fingerpicking and acoustic arrangements where you need a deep bass drone.
Notable artists: Foo Fighters, Soundgarden, Rage Against the Machine, Tool, Killswitch Engage
Best for: Power chords, heavy riffs, drop-tuned metal rhythm, and acoustic arrangements with a deep bass drone
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- E Lydian Minor in Standard Tuning
- E Lydian Minor in DADGAD
- E Lydian Minor in Open G
- E Lydian Minor in Baritone (B Standard)
- E Lydian Minor in 7-string
- E Lydian Minor in 8-string
- E Lydian Minor in Drop C
- E Lydian Minor in Drop B
- E Lydian Minor in Open D
- E Lydian Minor in Half Step Down
- E Lydian Minor in Open E
- E Lydian Minor in Open A
- E Lydian Minor in Double Drop D
- E Lydian Minor in Open C