Guitar scale

F# Mixolydian Guitar Scale

F# Mixolydian is a seven-note scale built from F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D#, and E. It is the 5th relative mode of B major. Use it to study the scale's notes, interval formula, and guitar fretboard positions.

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

How to read this scale

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

Use the interactive fretboard to locate the F# root notes and connect the remaining mixolydian tones across standard tuning.

Sound and defining tones

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

Characteristic tones
3A#b7E

Fretboard diagram

F# Mixolydian Guitar Scale fretboard diagram in standard tuning
F# Mixolydian Guitar Scale fretboard diagram in standard tuning.

Open this scale in the fretboard tool

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

Open in interactive fretboard

Common chords and contexts

Use F# Mixolydian over F#7 harmony, dominant vamps, and blues or rock progressions centered on F#. The flat seventh must agree with the chord or accompaniment.

Practice this scale on guitar

  1. Play F# Mixolydian from one F# root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and scale degree aloud.
  2. Outline the root, 3 (A#) and b7 (E), and fifth as a dominant seventh arpeggio, then fill the gaps with neighboring scale tones.
  3. Improvise over a static F#7 chord and resolve phrases from the flat seventh to the sixth, fifth, or root.

Scale diagrams by tuning