Bb Lydian Dominant Scale: Degrees, Notes, Intervals, and Practical Use

Bb Lydian Dominant — V7#11 from “Bb”, bright major base with spicy #4. Great for extended dominants and static pedals. Keep #11 above 3, add 9/13 for depth.

To visually explore a scale, use the interactive circle of fifths — it shows the relationships between notes, chords, and degrees, helping you understand its structure. Next to the circle, you’ll find the guitar fretboard, where all notes of the selected mode are displayed in the same colors as on the circle. Below, you can see the chords that belong to this scale — with degree labels and chord shape thumbnails that you can open and listen to. You can change the guitar tuning, fretboard orientation, and the display mode for notes or intervals. Detailed instructions on how to use the tool are available on the main Circle of Fifths page — check it out to make the most of all its features.

Bb Lydian Dominant · Bright dominant

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0123456EFGAbBbCDEFGAbBbCDEFGAbBbCDEFGAbBbEBGDAE
I
Bb
01234514321EBGDAE
II
C
01234501023EBGDAE
iii
Ddim
0123452410EBGDAE
#iv
Edim
0123450210EBGDAE
v
Fm
012345111431EBGDAE
vi
Gm
012345430012EBGDAE
bvii
Abaug
0123451234EBGDAE

Formula and Intervals of the Bb Lydian Dominant Scale

Degree formula: 1 — 2 — 3 — #4 — 5 — 6 — b7. Interval pattern between adjacent degrees: 2 — 2 — 2 — 1 — 2 — 1 — 2. The scale includes the following notes:

  • Bb — tonic, the main anchor of the mode.

  • C — gentle melodic extension and natural upward step.

  • D — major third, clear support above the tonic.

  • E — Lydian color, keep above 3 for clarity.

  • F — perfect fifth, stabilizing anchor of the mode.

  • G — warm upper shade, pairs well with 9.

  • Ab — dominant pull toward tonic, typical of Mixolydian.

Together these degrees form the core of the Bb Lydian Dominant mode and define its musical character.

Chords within the Bb Lydian Dominant Scale

Below are the basic diatonic chords that naturally occur on each degree. Use them as a palette for your progressions, keep the bass stable, and highlight color tones in the upper voice.

  • Bb — 1

  • C — 2

  • Ddim — 3

  • Edim — #4

  • Fm — 5

  • Gm — 6

  • Abaug — b7

This set forms a solid modal framework: combine triads and seventh chords, add 9/11/13 for color, and separate 3rds from 11ths for cleaner harmony.

Alternative Names of the Bb Lydian Dominant Scale

This mode may appear under other names:

  • Bb Mixolydian #4

All variations point to the same modal structure.

How to Use the Bb Lydian Dominant Scale

#11 above 3, dominant can sustain long without tension fatigue. Add 9 and 13. Try V7(#11) → I or a long pedal on the dominant.

Conclusion

Bb Lydian Dominant is a recognizable mode with clear logic of use. Study the formula and intervals, keep color tones in the top voice, build diatonic chords, and try integrating the mode into your own progressions — this way you’ll develop a confident and expressive sound faster.