G Mixolydian at a glance
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.
| Notes | G A B C D E F |
|---|---|
| Formula | 1P · 2M · 3M · 4P · 5P · 6M · 7m |
| Step pattern | W W H W W H W |
| Chords in the key | GAmB°CDmEmF |
Chords in the G Mixolydian scale
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
G Mixolydian on the piano
Improvisation drone · G
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
On the piano G Mixolydian uses only white keys.
G · A · B · C · D · E · F
Play G Mixolydian on the online piano
Free, in your browser: play with the mouse, your computer keyboard or a USB MIDI keyboard. No sign-up.
G Mixolydian on the guitar
G Mixolydian - fr 0–12
G Mixolydian on the staff
Notes of the G Mixolydian scale
| Degree | Note | Interval | Semitones | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | G | unison1P | 0 | |
| 2 | A | major 2nd2M | 2 | |
| 3 | B | major 3rd3M | 4 | |
| 4 | C | perfect 4th4P | 5 | |
| 5 | D | perfect 5th5P | 7 | |
| 6 | E | major 6th6M | 9 | |
| 7 | F | minor 7th7m | 10 |
What makes G Mixolydian different
Mixolydian is the major scale with a lowered seventh, and that ♭7 is its only difference from major. Without a leading tone the v chord turns minor and a major chord appears on ♭VII, which gives rock its I, ♭VII, IV sound. Add the ♭7 to the tonic triad and you get a dominant seventh chord, which is why Mixolydian is the scale for dominant chords and for blues-rock. It's the fifth mode of the major scale, so it shares its notes with the major scale a perfect fourth above its root. On G, G Mixolydian has F where G Major has F♯; every other note is shared with G Major (G A B C D E F♯).
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. Each one in the chord table on this page opens its own 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.
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.
Famous songs in G Mixolydian
These well-known tracks all use the G Mixolydian scale.
- 01All BluesMiles Davis
Questions people ask
What notes are in the G Mixolydian scale?
The G Mixolydian scale contains G, A, B, C, D, E and F.
What is the formula for the G Mixolydian scale?
G Mixolydian follows a major scale with a flat seventh degree (W-W-H-W-W-H-W).
Is G Mixolydian a major or minor scale?
G Mixolydian is a mixolydian scale. Major scale with a flat seventh - the dominant sound of blues and rock.
What chords belong to the G Mixolydian scale?
The diatonic chords of G Mixolydian are G, Am, B°, C, Dm, Em, F.
Which genres use G Mixolydian?
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.
How do you play the G Mixolydian scale on the piano?
On the piano G Mixolydian uses only white keys.
What is the difference between G Mixolydian and G Major?
On G, G Mixolydian has F where G Major has F♯; every other note is shared with G Major (G A B C D E F♯).
How do I practise the G Mixolydian scale?
Improvise over a major chord using the flat seventh - instantly sounds bluesy or country-flavoured.