D Mixolydian scale
The D Mixolydian scale has the notes D E F♯ G A B C. Its formula is 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7. It is mode 5 of the G major scale: the same notes, starting on D. Key signature: 1 sharp (F♯).
Scale notes
| Degree | Formula | Note |
|---|---|---|
| I | 1 | D tonic |
| II | 2 | E |
| III | 3 | F♯ |
| IV | 4 | G |
| V | 5 | A |
| VI | 6 | B |
| VII | b7 | C |
Chords of the scale
| Symbol | Chord | Notes | Chord-scale | Tensions | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I7 modal center | D7 | D F♯ A C | Mixolydian D | 9 (E), 13 (B) | 11 (G) |
| IIm7 | Em7 | E G B D | Aeolian E | 9 (F♯), 11 (A) | b13 (C) |
| IIIø | F♯ø | F♯ A C E | Locrian F♯ | 11 (B), b13 (D) | b9 (G) |
| IVMaj7 | GMaj7 | G B D F♯ | Ionian G | 9 (A), 13 (E) | 11 (C) |
| Vm7 | Am7 | A C E G | Dorian A | 9 (B), 11 (D) | 13 (F♯) |
| VIm7 | Bm7 | B D F♯ A | Phrygian B | 11 (E) | b9 (C), b13 (G) |
| bVIIMaj7 characteristic | CMaj7 | C E G B | Lydian C | 9 (D), #11 (F♯), 13 (A) | – |
Character and characteristic note
The Mixolydian mode is the fifth mode of the major scale. It is a major scale with a flat seventh (b7); its tonic chord is a dominant seventh, hence its solid, robust sound.
- Effect: solid, robust.
- Characteristic note: b7.
- Characteristic chords: bVIIMaj7 (CMaj7).
How to use it
Center I7 (or I7sus4), the only dominant allowed in modal music. Characteristic chord bVIIMaj7 (it contains the b7). The melody keeps coming back to 1 or 5, contrasted with the b7. No dominant resolution.
Watch out for
- IVMaj7 tonicizes the Ionian of IV; patterns such as II-7 I7sus4 IVMaj7 relocate the center.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the D Mixolydian scale?
D E F♯ G A B C. 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7.
What chords can you build on the D Mixolydian scale?
The seventh chords on each degree are I7 = D7, IIm7 = Em7, IIIø = F♯ø, IVMaj7 = GMaj7, Vm7 = Am7, VIm7 = Bm7, bVIIMaj7 = CMaj7.
Which major scale is the D Mixolydian scale a mode of?
It is mode 5 of the G major scale; they share the same notes.
Other modes on the same tonic
Related scale: G major scale