Guitar scale
C# Mixolydian Guitar Scale
C# Mixolydian is a seven-note scale built from C#, D#, E#, F#, G#, A#, and B. It is the 5th relative mode of F# major. Use it to study the scale's notes, interval formula, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Notes
- C#, D#, E#, F#, G#, A#, B
- 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 locate the C# root notes and connect the remaining mixolydian tones across standard tuning.
Sound and defining tones
C# Mixolydian combines a major third with a flat seventh: 3 (E#) and b7 (B). That interval pair outlines a dominant seventh sound and separates the mode from ordinary C# major.
- Characteristic tones
- 3E#b7B
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 fretboardCommon chords and contexts
Use C# Mixolydian over C#7 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 C#7 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 (B), and fifth as a dominant seventh arpeggio, then fill the gaps with neighboring scale tones.
- Improvise over a static C#7 chord and resolve phrases from the flat seventh to the sixth, fifth, or root.