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.
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 |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | A |
| 3 | 3M | 4 | B |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | C |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | D |
| 6 | 6M | 9 | E |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | F |
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 = Am, iii° = B°, IV = C, v = Dm, vi = Em, 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 in G Mixolydian
These well-known tracks all use the G Mixolydian scale.
- 1Sweet Home AlabamaLynyrd Skynyrd
- 2Norwegian WoodThe Beatles
- 3RoyalsLorde
- 4ClocksColdplay
- 5All BluesMiles Davis
Famous songs
Songs and pieces that use G Mixolydian include “Norwegian Wood” - The Beatles; “Sweet Child O’ Mine” (chorus) - Guns N’ Roses. Studying these examples is one of the fastest ways to internalise the scale’s 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.
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.
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.