Guitar scale
A Mixolydian Guitar Scale
A Mixolydian is a seven-note scale built from A, B, C#, D, E, F#, and G. It is the 5th relative mode of D major. Use it to study the scale's notes, interval formula, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Notes
- A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G
- Formula
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7
- Semitones
- 0 2 4 5 7 9 10
- Parent scale
- D major
How to read this scale
The notes are shown as pitch classes first. Square markers representA root notes in the fretboard view, while circular markers represent the other notes in the scale.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the A root notes and connect the remaining mixolydian tones across standard tuning.
Sound and defining tones
A Mixolydian combines a major third with a flat seventh: 3 (C#) and b7 (G). That interval pair outlines a dominant seventh sound and separates the mode from ordinary A major.
- Characteristic tones
- 3C#b7G
Fretboard diagram
Open this scale in the fretboard tool
Start with A Mixolydian loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboardCommon chords and contexts
Use A Mixolydian over A7 harmony, dominant vamps, and blues or rock progressions centered on A. The flat seventh must agree with the chord or accompaniment.
- Use A Mixolydian over A7 dominant chords and major blues progressions.
- The flat 7 makes it useful for rock, blues, funk, country, and dominant-chord vamps.
Practice this scale on guitar
- Play A Mixolydian from one A root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and scale degree aloud.
- Outline the root, 3 (C#) and b7 (G), and fifth as a dominant seventh arpeggio, then fill the gaps with neighboring scale tones.
- Improvise over a static A7 chord and resolve phrases from the flat seventh to the sixth, fifth, or root.