What notes are in the Mixolydian Mode (starting on G)?

The Mixolydian Mode starting on G contains: G – A – B – C – D – E – F. Formula: 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7.

Mixolydian Mode — Notes, Character & Famous Songs

Q: What is the Mixolydian Mode?

The Mixolydian Mode is the 5th mode of the major scale. Starting on G, its notes are G – A – B – C – D – E – F. It uses the interval pattern W–W–H–W–W–H–W. Bright like major but with a slightly bluesy edge from the b7. Often called the 'dominant scale' — it's the natural scale built on the V chord of any major key.

Q: How do I practise the Mixolydian Mode?

Start by learning the Mixolydian Mode starting on G — memorise the notes G – A – B – C – D – E – F. Then play it over a backing chord that matches the mode's root. The MusoKit Scale Explorer shows finger positions on guitar and piano for every mode.

The Mixolydian mode is the 5th mode of the major scale. Starting on G, its notes are G – A – B – C – D – E – F, following the interval pattern W–W–H–W–W–H–W. It is a major mode with a ♭7th degree, giving it a bright but slightly bluesy edge. It is the scale built on the dominant (V) chord and is extremely common in rock, blues, and Celtic folk.

The Mixolydian Mode is the 5th mode of the major scale — a distinct scale with its own unique character, built by starting on the 5th note of any major scale. Here's everything you need to know about how it sounds, where it's used, and how to play it.

Notes in the Mixolydian Mode (starting on G)

Intervals: W–W–H–W–W–H–W

Formula: 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7

Character & Sound

Tonal Character

Bright like major but with a slightly bluesy edge from the b7. Often called the 'dominant scale' — it's the natural scale built on the V chord of any major key.

How It Differs from the Major Scale

Mixolydian is major (Ionian) with a lowered 7th. Standard major has a leading tone (B in C major) — Mixolydian flattens it to Bb in C Mixolydian, giving it that bluesy, unresolved quality at the top of the scale.

Usage in Music

Blues, rock, Celtic folk, and country. The I–VII chord movement (using the b7 chord) is a signature Mixolydian sound. Incredibly common in pop and rock.

Famous songs using Mixolydian Mode:
The Beatles 'Norwegian Wood', Rolling Stones 'Brown Sugar', Grateful Dead, virtually all blues-rock lead playing

How to Build Any Mixolydian Mode

The Mixolydian Mode is the scale you get when you start on the 5th note of any major scale and play all the same notes to the next octave. For example:

C major scale: C D E F G A B → start on G → gives you G Mixolydian (G – A – B – C – D – E – F)
You can build a Mixolydian Mode starting on any note by applying the formula: 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7

Explore Every Mode with Audio

The MusoKit Scale Explorer lets you see and hear every mode in any key — guitar, piano, and bass.

Open Scale Explorer →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mixolydian Mode?

The Mixolydian Mode is the 5th mode of the major scale — built by starting on the 5th degree and using the same notes as the parent major scale. Starting on G: G – A – B – C – D – E – F.

What is the difference between Mixolydian Mode and the major scale?

What music uses the Mixolydian Mode?

Blues, rock, Celtic folk, and country. The I–VII chord movement (using the b7 chord) is a signature Mixolydian sound. Incredibly common in pop and rock.

Is Mixolydian Mode major or minor?

Mixolydian is a major mode — its tonic chord is major (dominant 7th). It has the brightness of major but a slightly unresolved, bluesy edge from the b7.

How do I practise the Mixolydian Mode?

Learn the notes starting on G (G – A – B – C – D – E – F), then play over a backing track using that root chord. Use the MusoKit Scale Explorer to see finger positions on guitar and piano.