Tuning-specific scale diagram

E Mixolydian Scale in D Standard Tuning

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

Scale notes
E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D
Formula
1 2 3 4 5 6 b7
Semitones
0 2 4 5 7 9 10
Parent scale
A major
Tuning
D G C F A D
Strings
6
Open pitch range
D2 to D4
24-fret range
D2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

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

String 6Db7
String 2A4
String 1Db7

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

OpenDb7
Fret 2E1
Fret 4F#2
Fret 6G#3
Fret 7A4
Fret 9B5
Fret 11C#6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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

E Mixolydian Scale in D Standard Tuning fretboard diagram
E Mixolydian Scale in D Standard Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing D G C F A D.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

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

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings