How to Play an E Lydian Scale on Piano

Learning to play an E Lydian scale seems more difficult than it really is. This is due to the large number of black keys (five) than make up the scale. The way these keys are positioned makes learning the scale no different than any other scale that employs the traditional finger crossing of C major. E Lydian is the fourth mode of B major. The scale has five sharps (F#, C#, G, D# and A#) and shares its key signature with B major. The high number of black keys forces you to keep your wrist raised as you ascend and descend the scale.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Practice with your right hand first. Place your thumb on E4 to begin. Ascend a diminished fifth interval through E, F#, G# and A#. Bring your thumb under your ring finger to B5. This finger crossing is a wide perfect fifth interval, so keep your wrist high and your elbow fluid. Ascend the remaining perfect fourth interval through B, C#, D# and E natural. Your ring finger should be the last to touch E5, one octave higher than the first pitch.

2. Descend the E Lydian scale with your right hand. Beginning with your ring finger on E5, descend a perfect fourth interval through the notes E, D#, C# and B natural. Cross your ring finger over your thumb to A#5. Descend the last diminished fifth interval through A#, G#, F# and E natural. Your thumb should now be in the same position you started in (on E4).

3. Focus on your left hand only now. Place your pinkie finger on E3 to begin. Ascend a perfect fifth interval through E, F#, G#, A# and B natural. Cross your middle finger over your thumb to C#4. Ascend the remaining minor third interval through C#, D# and E natural. Your thumb should land on E4, one octave higher than your staring note.

4. Descend the E Lydian scale with your left hand. Beginning with your thumb on E4, descend a minor third interval through E, D# and C#. Bring your thumb under your middle finger to B4. Descend the final perfect fifth interval through the notes B, A#, G#, F# and E natural. Your thumb should be last to depress E3, the same pitch you started with.

5. Practice the E Lydian scale with both hands at the same time. Begin your practice session with a tempo of no more than 75 beats per minute. As your weak fingers become more comfortable with the raised black keys, slowly increase the tempo to no more than 170 beats per minute.