Mixolydian scale · 7 notes
G Mixolydian scale on guitar
The G Mixolydian scale has 7 notes: G, A, B, C, D, E and F. A major scale with a ♭7: the bluesy-but-major sound of classic rock.
Notes
- G
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
- F
Formula
1 2 3 4 5 6 ♭7
Steps
W – W – H – W – W – H – W
Sound
Major, bluesy and laid-back
G Mixolydian on the whole fretboard
Every G Mixolydian note from the open strings to the 15th fret in standard tuning (E A D G B E). The root, G, is shown in red so you can always find home.
A shape to learn first
You don’t need the whole neck at once. This hand position is anchored on a root note on the 6th (low E) string, which is how most guitarists find a scale in any key.
Root on the 6th (low E) string
G at fret 3. 2nd position: frets 2–6.
In the Guitar Scale Finder app you also get the chords of G Mixolydian as chord diagrams, and can search all 1,860 scales for the notes you play.
Intervals and formula
Measured from G, the G Mixolydian scale is built from these intervals. It has no sharps or flats: every note is a natural. Compared with G major, it has F (♭7) instead of F♯.
| Degree | Note | Interval | Semitones from root |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | G | root | 0 |
| 2 | A | major 2nd | 2 |
| 3 | B | major 3rd | 4 |
| 4 | C | perfect 4th | 5 |
| 5 | D | perfect 5th | 7 |
| 6 | E | major 6th | 9 |
| ♭7 | F | minor 7th | 10 |
Chords in G Mixolydian
Stack every other note of the scale and you get one chord on each degree. These are the chords that “belong” to G Mixolydian: any of them will sound at home under a melody in G Mixolydian.
- IGG · B · DG7
- iiAmA · C · EAm7
- iii°B°B · D · FBm7♭5
- IVCC · E · GCmaj7
- vDmD · F · ADm7
- viEmE · G · BEm7
- ♭VIIFF · A · CFmaj7
Progressions to try
- G – F – C I–♭VII–IV · classic rock
- G – F I–♭VII
- G – Dm – F – C I–v–♭VII–IV
How to use G Mixolydian
Reach for it over dominant 7th chords, classic rock, jam bands, country and blues in a major feel. Its sound is major, bluesy and laid-back.
Tip: Mixolydian = major pentatonic + the 4th + the ♭7. Use it over a dominant 7th chord for a sound between major and blues.
- G Mixolydian contains exactly the notes of C major, played from its fifth note, G. See C major.
Where to find G on every string
Knowing where the root sits lets you start this scale anywhere. Here is every G between the open string and the 12th fret.
| String | Frets with G |
|---|---|
| High E (1st) | 3 |
| B (2nd) | 8 |
| G (3rd) | 0, 12 |
| D (4th) | 5 |
| A (5th) | 10 |
| Low E (6th) | 3 |
Same notes, different name
These scales from the Scale Finder library contain exactly the same notes as G Mixolydian. They sound different because a different note is treated as home.
G Mixolydian scale FAQ
What notes are in the G Mixolydian scale?
The G Mixolydian scale has 7 notes: G, A, B, C, D, E and F. Its formula is 1 2 3 4 5 6 ♭7. It has no sharps or flats: every note is a natural.
What chords are in G Mixolydian?
Harmonising the G Mixolydian scale in thirds gives G (I), Am (ii), B° (iii°), C (IV), Dm (v), Em (vi) and F (♭VII).
Where do you play the G Mixolydian scale on guitar?
The root, G, is at fret 3 on the low E string and fret 10 on the A string. A good first shape covers frets 2–6, starting from the root on the 6th string.
Which scales share the same notes as G Mixolydian?
G Mixolydian contains exactly the notes of C major, played from its fifth note, G.