Scale · 7 notes
D Mixolydian scale — guitar notes & shapes
The D Mixolydian scale is D, E, F♯, G, A, B, C. 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 (D). High e string on top, like tab. Numbers show the scale degree.
Notes and formula
| Degree | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | D | root |
| 2 | E | major 2nd |
| 3 | F♯ | major 3rd |
| 4 | G | perfect 4th |
| 5 | A | perfect 5th |
| 6 | B | major 6th |
| ♭7 | C | minor 7th |
Steps: W W H W W H W (W = whole step, H = half step).
Chords in the scale
Home key: D.
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 D Mixolydian scale?
- D Mixolydian: D, E, F♯, G, A, B, C.
- Where do I play D Mixolydian on the guitar?
- The easiest place is around fret 10, where D sits on the low E string (highlighted in the diagram). The same pattern repeats 12 frets higher.