Tuning-specific scale diagram

D Mixolydian Scale in C Standard Tuning

D Mixolydian Scale in C Standard Tuning shows the same d mixolydian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C F Bb Eb G C. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes
D, E, F#, G, A, B, C
Formula
1 2 3 4 5 6 b7
Semitones
0 2 4 5 7 9 10
Parent scale
G major
Tuning
C F Bb Eb G C
Strings
6
Open pitch range
C2 to C4
24-fret range
C2 to C6

Open strings and root positions

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

String 6Cb7
String 2G4
String 1Cb7

First root on each string

String 6Fret 2
String 5Fret 9
String 4Fret 4
String 3Fret 11
String 2Fret 7
String 1Fret 2

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, with the D root at fret 2. On the highest C string, the first D is at fret 2.

OpenCb7
Fret 2D1
Fret 4E2
Fret 6F#3
Fret 7G4
Fret 9A5
Fret 11B6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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

Fretboard diagram

D Mixolydian Scale in C Standard Tuning fretboard diagram
D Mixolydian Scale in C Standard Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing C F Bb Eb G C.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with D Mixolydian Scale and c standard tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings