Scale · 7 notes
A Mixolydian scale — guitar notes & shapes
The A Mixolydian scale is A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G. Mixolydian is the major scale with a flat 7th. It fits dominant 7th chords perfectly, which makes it the go-to sound for rock riffs and major blues.
On the fretboard
Red = root (A). High e string on top, like tab. Numbers show the scale degree.
Notes and formula
| Degree | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | root |
| 2 | B | major 2nd |
| 3 | C♯ | major 3rd |
| 4 | D | perfect 4th |
| 5 | E | perfect 5th |
| 6 | F♯ | major 6th |
| ♭7 | G | minor 7th |
Steps: W W H W W H W (W = whole step, H = half step).
Chords in the scale
Home key: A.
Sound, styles and practice
Styles: Classic rock riffs, blues, funk and jam bands.
- Play it over a single dominant 7th chord.
- Alternate the ♭7 with the major pentatonic for rock licks.
- Resolve phrases on the 3rd of the chord.
Go further with guitar scales for beginners and how to improvise.
FAQ
- What notes are in the A Mixolydian scale?
- A Mixolydian: A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G.
- Where do I play A Mixolydian on the guitar?
- The easiest place is around fret 5, where A sits on the low E string (highlighted in the diagram). The same pattern repeats 12 frets higher.