B Lydian Timple Canario Scale
Timple Canario scale — fretboard diagram
B Lydian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Lydian scale is the fourth mode of the major scale and arguably the brightest sound in music theory. On Timple Canario, the notes are B, C#, D#, F, F#, G#, A#. It is known for its ethereal, dreamlike, and cinematic quality. Because it avoids the pull of the perfect fourth, it is a favorite for film composers wanting to evoke a sense of wonder or otherworldly space. The diatonic chords of B Lydian are BMaj7, C#7, D#m7, Fm7b5, F#Maj7, G#m7, A#m7. Commonly used in Film Scores, Progressive Rock, Fusion, Ambient, Dream Pop. Notable players include Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, John Williams, Hans Zimmer. Use over Maj7#11, Maj9 chords. Ideal for non-resolving major passages. Avoid when the music needs to feel grounded or resolved.
Notes: B, C#, D#, F, F#, G#, A#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 #4 5 6 7
Formula: W-W-W-H-W-W-H
Number of notes: 7
Diatonic Chords
BMaj7 — C♯7 — D♯m7 — Fm7♭5 — F♯Maj7 — G♯m7 — A♯m7
How to Play B Lydian on Timple Canario
Begin by locating B on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Lydian scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The B Lydian scale contains 5 sharps (C#, D#, F#, G#, A#). Its relative minor is G# minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the B Lydian scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Try these progressions with the B Lydian scale: BMaj7 - Fm7b5 - F#Maj7 - BMaj7 (I-IV-V-I) or BMaj7 - C#7 - Fm7b5 - F#Maj7 for a more stepwise movement.
Timple Canario Tips
Practice the B Lydian scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed.
The B Lydian scale contains 7 notes (B, C#, D#, F, F#, G#, A#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Timple Canario with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for B Lydian
The B Lydian scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.