Scale degrees · B♭ major

The ♯4 of B♭ is E

The ♯4 (sharp four, written #4) of B♭ (B flat, Bb) is E: an augmented fourth above the root.

B♭ — the root, 1E — the ♯4

How to find it

Count letters first, the root included: B, C, D, E. A 4th lands on E.

Then the sound: an augmented fourth is 6 semitones above B♭, which is exactly where E is — no sharp or flat needed.

Where you meet it

The ♯4 is the Lydian note, a tritone above the root. On a chord symbol it is usually written ♯11.

In the scale B♭ Lydian:

B♭ · C · D · E · F · G · A

The ♯4 in every key

KeyThe ♯4
CF♯
GC♯
DG♯
AD♯
EA♯
BE♯
F♯B♯
D♭G
A♭D
E♭A
B♭E
FB

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