Mixolydian
Introduction
The Mixolydian mode is a famous musical mode in genres like blues, rock, and folk, offering a major scale sound with a flattened seventh (♭7). This subtle alteration creates a distinct “dominant” vibe, blending brightness with a touch of tension.
Structure of the Mixolydian Mode
The Mixolydian mode is the fifth mode of the major scale. Its formula is:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7
Each mode has its own unique formula of intervals (whole and half steps). For any given root note, we can apply the formula to create each of the seven modes for that root.
Intervals:
- Root
- Major 2nd
- Major 3rd
- Perfect 4th
- Perfect 5th
- Major 6th
- Minor 7th (♭7)
Interval formula: W – W – H – W – W – H – W
Example:
C Mixolydian Scale: C – D – E – F – G – A – B♭ – C
Formula Comparison:
| Mode | Formula (Relative to Major) | Example (C) |
|---|---|---|
| Ionian | 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 | C-D-E-F-G-A-B |
| Mixolydian | 1-2-3-4-5-6-♭7 | C-D-E-F-G-A-B♭ |
Mixolydian in Action
Iconic Examples:
- “Sweet Child O’ Mine” (Guns N’ Roses) – Uses D Mixolydian in the main riff.
- “Scarborough Fair” (Traditional Folk) – Melody leans on Mixolydian’s ♭7.
- “All Blues” (Miles Davis) – Jazz classic with a Mixolydian backbone.
How to Play Mixolydian
Guitar (G Mixolydian Pattern):
e|-----------------3-5-
B|-------------3-5-----
G|---------4-5---------
D|-----5-7-------------
A|-5-7-----------------
E|---------------------