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