E Mixolydian scale
The E Mixolydian scale is a 7-note mixolydian scale built on the root E. Its notes are E, F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯ and D. 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 E 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 E, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where E is a comfortable tonal centre.
E Mixolydian on the piano
E Mixolydian on the guitar
E Mixolydian on the staff
Hear the E Mixolydian scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the E Mixolydian scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | E |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | F♯(F#) |
| 3 | 3M | 4 | G♯(G#) |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | A |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | B |
| 6 | 6M | 9 | C♯(C#) |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | D |
Diatonic chords of E Mixolydian
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
Modes from E Mixolydian
Each note of this scale produces a different mode with its own character.
How to use the E Mixolydian scale
The diatonic chords of E Mixolydian are: I = E, ii = F♯m, iii° = G♯°, IV = A, v = Bm, vi = C♯m, VII = D. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in E 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
E 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 E Mixolydian
Once you are comfortable with E Mixolydian, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with E Mixolydian and are a natural next step in your study.
Formula & step pattern
The E 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.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the E Mixolydian scale?
What is the formula for the E Mixolydian scale?
Is E Mixolydian a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the E Mixolydian scale?
Which genres use E Mixolydian?
How do I practise the E Mixolydian scale?
Take E Mixolydian into your music
Build progressions, find chord voicings and improvise with confidence using our music tools.