Tuning-specific scale diagram

B Mixolydian Scale in Open A Tuning

B Mixolydian Scale in Open A Tuning shows the same b mixolydian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned E A E A C# 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
E A E A C# E
Strings
6
Open pitch range
E2 to E4
24-fret range
E2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

6 of the 6 open strings belong to B Mixolydian Scale: string 6 E (4), string 5 A (b7), string 4 E (4), string 3 A (b7), string 2 C# (2), and string 1 E (4). None of those open-string tones is the B root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6E4
String 5Ab7
String 4E4
String 3Ab7
String 2C#2
String 1E4

First root on each string

String 6Fret 7
String 5Fret 2
String 4Fret 7
String 3Fret 2
String 2Fret 10
String 1Fret 7

Low-string pattern

On the lowest E string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11, with the B root at fret 7. On the highest E string, the first B is at fret 7.

OpenE4
Fret 2F#5
Fret 4G#6
Fret 5Ab7
Fret 7B1
Fret 9C#2
Fret 11D#3

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play B Mixolydian Scale on the low E string at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets E on open string 6 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 7, 2, 7, 2, 10, and 7, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

B Mixolydian Scale in Open A Tuning fretboard diagram
B Mixolydian Scale in Open A Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing E A E A C# E.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

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

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings