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Into the MixolydianMode

How to Use Mixolydian Mode

The Mixolydian mode is the fifth mode of the major scale. The interval formula is root (1), second (2), major third (3), fourth (4), fifth (5), sixth (6) and minor seventh (b7). It has the same notes as the Ionian mode, except the minor seventh (b7), it is considered a major scale. The Mixolydian mode can be used over any non-altered dominant chord as dom7, dom9, dom11, dom13, 7sus4. The Dominant scale is the another name for the Mixolydian mode. It is called " dominant" because it is built from the 5th degree of the major scale also called "dominant". The Mixolydian mode is widely used in jazz and blues music for improvising over dominant chords. It is one of the MOST important scale to know.

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The Mixolydian Mode Theory

Let's first get familiar with the building blocks that give Mixolydian its unique sound. Mixolydian can be seen as just another type of major scale (a scale that includes the intervals 1 3 5), with its defining interval/tone being the minor 7th (b7). Many musicians associate that flat 7th with a "country" or "bluesy" feel which gives Mixolydian, as a scale, its distinctive flavour. It's the b7 that differs Mixolydian from the natural major scale (Ionian), which uses a major 7th (7).

As Mixolydian is the 5th mode of the major scale, you can also use your knowledge of the major scale's patterns to cover more of the fretboard. Each Mixolydian root has a relative major scale root meaning, if you already know the major scale, all you need to do to is learn the corresponding root positions as shown in the table below. For example, if you wanted to play G Mixolydian , you could simply play it's parent scale, C major (as they both contain the same seven notes). Mixolydian and major scale relative roots This way, you ONLY have to spend time learning one scale (the major scale) across the entire fretboard on different roots and you'll automatically know its seven modes starting from their related major scale degrees (e.g. 5th mode Mixolydian<'s/span> root is the major scale's 5th note).