Tuning-specific scale diagram

Bb Mixolydian Scale in 7-String Drop A Tuning

Bb Mixolydian Scale in 7-String Drop A Tuning shows the same bb mixolydian scale pitch classes across 7 strings tuned A E A D G B E. The seventh string extends the pattern below a six-string layout while keeping the upper strings familiar.

Scale notes
Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab
Formula
1 2 3 4 5 6 b7
Semitones
0 2 4 5 7 9 10
Parent scale
Eb major
Tuning
A E A D G B E
Strings
7
Open pitch range
A1 to E4
24-fret range
A1 to E6

Open strings and root positions

2 of the 7 open strings belong to Bb Mixolydian Scale: string 4 D (3) and string 3 G (6). None of those open-string tones is the Bb root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 4D3
String 3G6

First root on each string

String 7Fret 1
String 6Fret 6
String 5Fret 1
String 4Fret 8
String 3Fret 3
String 2Fret 11
String 1Fret 6

Low-string pattern

On the lowest A string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, with the Bb root at fret 1. On the highest E string, the first Bb is at fret 6.

Fret 1Bb1
Fret 3C2
Fret 5D3
Fret 6Eb4
Fret 8F5
Fret 10G6
Fret 11Abb7

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play Bb Mixolydian Scale on the low A string at frets 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets D on open string 4 ring, then connect it to the nearest Bb root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the Bb root positions on strings 7 through 1 at frets 1, 6, 1, 8, 3, 11, and 6, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

Bb Mixolydian Scale in 7-String Drop A Tuning fretboard diagram
Bb Mixolydian Scale in 7-String Drop A Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing A E A D G B E.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with Bb Mixolydian Scale and 7-string drop a tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings