Mixolydian Mode
Bluesy, rock, confident, driving
Mixolydian on the Fretboard
Showing G Mixolydian across the neck (frets 0–12). Orange = root, blue = characteristic note.
Understanding Mixolydian
Mixolydian is the major scale with a ♭7. It's major (happy 3rd) but with a bluesy edge from the flatted 7th. This is the sound of rock, blues, and folk music.
The Characteristic Note
The ♭7 is what separates Mixolydian from Ionian (regular major). In G Mixolydian, the F natural instead of F# gives everything a rootsy, bluesy feel without being minor. It's the dominant 7th chord as a scale.
Chords & Progressions
Mixolydian IS the dominant 7th sound. The I–♭VII (G–F in G Mixolydian) is one of the most common progressions in rock music. The Allman Brothers, Grateful Dead, AC/DC — all heavily Mixolydian.
Diatonic Chords in G Mixolydian
G7, Am7, Bm7♭5, Cmaj7, Dm7, Em7, Fmaj7
Genres & Artists
Rock, blues, folk, country, classic rock, jam bands
Quick Reference
| Mode Number | V |
| Formula | 1 2 3 4 5 6 ♭7 |
| Step Pattern | W W H W W H W |
| Notes (from G) | G A B C D E F |
| Quality | Major |
| Characteristic Note | ♭7 (F) — major scale with a flatted 7th |
| Genres | Rock, blues, folk, country, classic rock, jam bands |