B Lydian II

I – II – IV – I progression in B major

B major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IB
IIC#
IVE
IB

Triad Diagrams — B Lydian II (Guitar)

B Lydian III – II – IV – I

The B Lydian II progression (B – C# – E – B) uses a major II chord borrowed from the Lydian mode, creating a bright, unexpected harmonic lift before settling on the subdominant. Made famous by Lennon and McCartney, it sounds simultaneously familiar and surprising. With seventh voicings (BMaj7 – C#Maj7 – EMaj7 – BMaj7), the Lydian color becomes even more luminous.

Pop / RockEuphoric4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): B, C#, E.

Chords (7th): BMaj7, C#Maj7, EMaj7.

Famous songs using this progression

  • Eight Days A Week – The Beatles
  • The Boys Are Back In Town – Thin Lizzy
  • Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles