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