Guitar scale

C Mixolydian Guitar Scale

C Mixolydian is a seven-note mode built from C, D, E, F, G, A, and Bb. It sounds major, but the lowered seventh gives it a bluesy dominant-chord color.

Notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, Bb
Formula: 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7
Semitones: 0 2 4 5 7 9 10
Parent scale: F major

How to read this scale

The notes are shown as pitch classes first. Square markers representC root notes in the fretboard view, while circular markers represent the other notes in the scale.

Use the interactive fretboard to compare the C roots with the Bb notes that define the Mixolydian sound.

Sound and defining tones

C Mixolydian combines a major third with a flat seventh: 3 (E) and b7 (Bb). That interval pair outlines a dominant seventh sound and separates the mode from ordinary C major.

Characteristic tones: 3Eb7Bb

Fretboard diagram

Open this scale in the fretboard tool

Start with C Mixolydian loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Common chords and contexts

Use C Mixolydian over C7 harmony, dominant vamps, and blues or rock progressions centered on C. The flat seventh must agree with the chord or accompaniment.

Use C Mixolydian over C7 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 C Mixolydian from one C root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and scale degree aloud.
Outline the root, 3 (E) and b7 (Bb), and fifth as a dominant seventh arpeggio, then fill the gaps with neighboring scale tones.
Improvise over a static C7 chord and resolve phrases from the flat seventh to the sixth, fifth, or root.