Scale · 7 notes
C Mixolydian scale — guitar notes & shapes
The C Mixolydian scale is C, D, E, F, G, A, B♭. 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 (C). High e string on top, like tab. Numbers show the scale degree.
Notes and formula
| Degree | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | root |
| 2 | D | major 2nd |
| 3 | E | major 3rd |
| 4 | F | perfect 4th |
| 5 | G | perfect 5th |
| 6 | A | major 6th |
| ♭7 | B♭ | minor 7th |
Steps: W W H W W H W (W = whole step, H = half step).
Chords in the scale
Home key: C.
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 C Mixolydian scale?
- C Mixolydian: C, D, E, F, G, A, B♭.
- Where do I play C Mixolydian on the guitar?
- The easiest place is around fret 8, where C sits on the low E string (highlighted in the diagram). The same pattern repeats 12 frets higher.