E Lydian II

I – II – IV – I progression in E major

E major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IE
IIF#
IVA
IE

Triad Diagrams — E Lydian II (Guitar)

E Lydian III – II – IV – I

The E Lydian II progression (E – F# – A – E) 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 (EMaj7 – F#Maj7 – AMaj7 – EMaj7), the Lydian color becomes even more luminous.

Pop / RockEuphoric4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): E, F#, A.

Chords (7th): EMaj7, F#Maj7, AMaj7.

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