Tuning-specific scale diagram

B Mixolydian Scale in Drop D Tuning

B Mixolydian Scale in Drop D Tuning shows the same b mixolydian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D A D G B E. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes
B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A
Formula
1 2 3 4 5 6 b7
Semitones
0 2 4 5 7 9 10
Parent scale
E major
Tuning
D A D G B E
Strings
6
Open pitch range
D2 to E4
24-fret range
D2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

3 of the 6 open strings belong to B Mixolydian Scale: string 5 A (b7), string 2 B (1), and string 1 E (4). B roots occur on open string 2.

String 5Ab7
String 2B1
String 1E4

First root on each string

String 6Fret 9
String 5Fret 2
String 4Fret 9
String 3Fret 4
String 2Open
String 1Fret 7

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, with the B root at fret 9. On the highest E string, the first B is at fret 7.

Fret 1D#3
Fret 2E4
Fret 4F#5
Fret 6G#6
Fret 7Ab7
Fret 9B1
Fret 11C#2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play B Mixolydian Scale on the low D string at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets A on open string 5 ring, then connect it to the nearest B root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the B root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 9, 2, 9, 4, 0, and 7, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

B Mixolydian Scale in Drop D Tuning fretboard diagram
B Mixolydian Scale in Drop D Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing D A D G B E.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with B Mixolydian Scale and drop d tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings