The Mixolydian scale is a Major-type mode with a b7, giving it a different sound from the regular Major scale.

In this lesson, you’ll learn the Mixolydian formula, compare it with Major, play it across the fretboard, and use its characteristic b7 in musical examples.

Mixolydian scale formula

The Mixolydian scale has the formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, b7.

An easy way to build it is to start with a Major scale and lower the 7th by one half step.

• E Major: E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#
• E Mixolydian: E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D

The b7 is the characteristic note that gives Mixolydian its distinct sound.

We can also look at the mixolydian scale formula in terms of whole and half steps. The formula would be whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, and half step between the scale notes. See the image below.

Roadmap practice: Play E Major, then E Mixolydian. Listen specifically to D# changing to D. Repeat the two scales and focus on how the lowered 7th changes the overall Major sound.

Mixolydian can also be derived from the 5th degree of a Major scale. For example, G Mixolydian uses the same notes as C Major, while A Mixolydian uses the same notes as D Major.

Mixolydian scale examples with tabs

Here are some different mixolydian scales in music notation with guitar tabs below. The numbers above the notes on the top staff indicated which fingers to use on your fretting hand. If needed, check out how to read guitar notation symbols.

The examples below show Mixolydian from several roots. Start with one key and listen for the b7 before using the remaining examples as references.

C mixolydian scale example

D mixolydian scale example

E mixolydian scale example

F mixolydian scale example

G mixolydian scale example

A mixolydian scale example

B mixolydian scale example

Mixolydian scales chart

Use this chart as a reference when you want to build Mixolydian from another root. The formula stays 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, b7.

5 Mixolydian scale guitar shapes

The five shapes below show Mixolydian across the fretboard. Start with one position that feels comfortable and use the remaining shapes later to expand into neighboring areas.

How to read the scale charts

For the charts below:

• The lowest horizontal line represents the thickest string (Low E). The top horizontal line represents the thinnest string (high E). 
• The green circles represent the root note of the mixolydian scale and the blue notes are every scale note in between. 
• The numbers inside the circles represent the suggested fingering to use on your fretting hand.

If needed, check out how to read guitar notation symbols.

Mixolydian scale shape 1

Roadmap practice: Choose one root and play Shape 1 slowly. Find the root, 3rd, 5th, and b7 inside the shape. Play it again and listen especially to the b7.

Mixolydian scale shape 2

Mixolydian scale shape 3

Mixolydian scale shape 4

Mixolydian scale shape 5

A useful way to learn these positions is to compare them with Major scale shapes you already know. The notes stay the same except for the 7th, which moves down one fret.

Roadmap practice: Take one familiar Major scale shape, find every natural 7th, and lower each one by one fret. Play the new shape and listen for the Mixolydian sound.

Mixolydian scale guitar application examples

Mixolydian is especially useful over dominant 7 harmony because its formula contains the chord tones 1, 3, 5, and b7. The examples below show several ways to turn that sound into melodic ideas.

G mixolydian scale pattern – example 1

For the first application example, we are using a mixolydian scale pattern using an interval of thirds. The pattern starts on the 9th of the G7 chord and ends on the flat 7 scale degree.

Roadmap practice: Play the G Mixolydian example over G7. Then create a short phrase of your own that includes F, the b7. Compare it with a phrase that uses F# instead and listen to how the sound changes.

You can also try this scale pattern starting on different degrees and in ascending motion.

E mixolydian scale pattern – example 2

For this example, we are using another mixolydian scale pattern using intervals of 6ths over an E 7 chord.

C mixolydian scale – example 3

A mixolydian scale – example 4

This A Mixolydian example begins with notes from A Major pentatonic before expanding into the full Mixolydian sound.

D mixolydian scale pattern – example 5

This D Mixolydian example organizes the scale notes into related triads. The line moves through different chord shapes while staying inside the same Mixolydian note collection.

The pattern uses this scale note sequence for each triad: 3, 1, 3, 5, starting with D Major, then E minor, F# diminished, and so on.

For more improvisation ideas, check out how to play Dominant 7 arpeggios on guitar or 7 jazz and blues licks over a dominant chord.

Roadmap practice: Put on a dominant 7 chord or simple backing track where Mixolydian fits. Using one scale shape, create two short phrases. In the first, avoid the b7. In the second, include the b7 intentionally and listen to how clearly that note brings out the Mixolydian sound.

Wrapping up

Mixolydian has the formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, b7. Compared with the Major scale, the only change is the lowered 7th.

Start with one Major scale shape you already know, lower the 7th, and spend time hearing how the b7 changes the sound.

From there, the additional shapes and application examples in this lesson give you more ways to use Mixolydian across the fretboard and over dominant harmony.

📘 Get the free Practice Blueprint: Build better habits and make your progress more consistent. Download the free guide →