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Scale · 7 notes

G Mixolydian scale — guitar notes & shapes

The G Mixolydian scale is G, A, B, C, D, E, F. 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 (G). High e string on top, like tab. Numbers show the scale degree.

Notes and formula

DegreeNoteInterval
1Groot
2Amajor 2nd
3Bmajor 3rd
4Cperfect 4th
5Dperfect 5th
6Emajor 6th
♭7Fminor 7th

Steps: W W H W W H W (W = whole step, H = half step).

Chords in the scale

Home key: G.

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 G Mixolydian scale?
G Mixolydian: G, A, B, C, D, E, F.
Where do I play G Mixolydian on the guitar?
The easiest place is around fret 3, where G sits on the low E string (highlighted in the diagram). The same pattern repeats 12 frets higher.