C♭ Mixolydian scale
The C♭ Mixolydian scale is a 7-note mixolydian scale built on the root C♭. Its notes are C♭, D♭, E♭, F♭, G♭, A♭ and B𝄫. Major scale with a flat seventh - the dominant sound of blues and rock. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make C♭ Mixolydian a great tool for improvising and composing.
Mixolydian is all over blues-rock, country, Celtic music and a huge chunk of classic rock. That flat seventh gives it a dominant, swaggering character. Built on the root C♭, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where C♭ is a comfortable tonal centre.
Formula & step pattern
The C♭ Mixolydian scale follows a major scale with a flat seventh degree (W-W-H-W-W-H-W). Step pattern: W - W - H - W - W - H - W. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2M · 3M · 4P · 5P · 6M · 7m. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
C♭ Mixolydian on the piano
C♭ Mixolydian on the guitar
C♭ Mixolydian on the staff
Hear the C♭ Mixolydian scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the C♭ Mixolydian scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | C♭(Cb) |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | D♭(Db) |
| 3 | 3M | 4 | E♭(Eb) |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | F♭(Fb) |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | G♭(Gb) |
| 6 | 6M | 9 | A♭(Ab) |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | B𝄫(Bbb) |
Diatonic chords of C♭ Mixolydian
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
Modes from C♭ Mixolydian
Each note of this scale produces a different mode with its own character.
How to use the C♭ Mixolydian scale
The diatonic chords of C♭ Mixolydian are: I = C♭, ii = D♭m, iii° = E♭°, IV = F♭, v = G♭m, vi = A♭m, VII = B𝄫. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in C♭ Mixolydian. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Mixolydian is all over blues-rock, country, Celtic music and a huge chunk of classic rock. That flat seventh gives it a dominant, swaggering character.
Practice tips
Improvise over a major chord using the flat seventh - instantly sounds bluesy or country-flavoured.
Famous songs
C♭ Mixolydian appears throughout mixolydian is all over blues-rock, country, celtic music and a huge chunk of classic rock. that flat seventh gives it a dominant, swaggering character. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Scales related to C♭ Mixolydian
Once you are comfortable with C♭ Mixolydian, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with C♭ Mixolydian and are a natural next step in your study.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the C♭ Mixolydian scale?
What is the formula for the C♭ Mixolydian scale?
Is C♭ Mixolydian a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the C♭ Mixolydian scale?
Which genres use C♭ Mixolydian?
How do I practise the C♭ Mixolydian scale?
Take C♭ Mixolydian into your music
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