G Mixolydian scale
The G Mixolydian scale has the notes G A B C D E F. Its formula is 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7. It is mode 5 of the C major scale: the same notes, starting on G. Key signature: no accidentals.
Scale notes
| Degree | Formula | Note |
|---|---|---|
| I | 1 | G tonic |
| II | 2 | A |
| III | 3 | B |
| IV | 4 | C |
| V | 5 | D |
| VI | 6 | E |
| VII | b7 | F |
Chords of the scale
| Symbol | Chord | Notes | Chord-scale | Tensions | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I7 modal center | G7 | G B D F | Mixolydian G | 9 (A), 13 (E) | 11 (C) |
| IIm7 | Am7 | A C E G | Aeolian A | 9 (B), 11 (D) | b13 (F) |
| IIIø | Bø | B D F A | Locrian B | 11 (E), b13 (G) | b9 (C) |
| IVMaj7 | CMaj7 | C E G B | Ionian C | 9 (D), 13 (A) | 11 (F) |
| Vm7 | Dm7 | D F A C | Dorian D | 9 (E), 11 (G) | 13 (B) |
| VIm7 | Em7 | E G B D | Phrygian E | 11 (A) | b9 (F), b13 (C) |
| bVIIMaj7 characteristic | FMaj7 | F A C E | Lydian F | 9 (G), #11 (B), 13 (D) | – |
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 (FMaj7).
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 G Mixolydian scale?
G A B C D E F. 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7.
What chords can you build on the G Mixolydian scale?
The seventh chords on each degree are I7 = G7, IIm7 = Am7, IIIø = Bø, IVMaj7 = CMaj7, Vm7 = Dm7, VIm7 = Em7, bVIIMaj7 = FMaj7.
Which major scale is the G Mixolydian scale a mode of?
It is mode 5 of the C major scale; they share the same notes.
Other modes on the same tonic
Related scale: C major scale