A mixolydian (A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G) has two sharps in its key signature and its flattened 7th (G) gives it the bluesy, riff-heavy quality that drives rock and funk. The Beatles' "Hey Jude" coda and Cream's "Born Under a Bad Sign" use A mixolydian extensively. It is a cornerstone scale for rock guitar improvisation.
The flattened 7th is Mixolydian’s signature — it turns the major scale’s leading tone into a bluesy, unresolved dominant sound. This single interval drives rock, blues, and funk vamps and makes the dominant I⁷ chord possible.
The seven diatonic modes — parallel modes starting from the same root with different interval patterns. Each mode has a unique character derived from the major scale.
The diatonic chords in A Mixolydian are: A, Bm, C#dim, D, Em, F#m, G. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Mixolydian?
A mixolydian (A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G) has two sharps in its key signature and its flattened 7th (G) gives it the bluesy, riff-heavy quality that drives rock and funk. The Beatles' "Hey Jude" coda and Cream's "Born Under a Bad Sign" use A mixolydian extensively. It is a cornerstone scale for rock guitar improvisation.
What notes are in the A Mixolydian?
The A Mixolydian contains the notes: A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G. This is a 7-note scale starting from A.
How many chords does the A Mixolydian have?
The A Mixolydian produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: A, Bm, C#dim, D, Em, F#m, G.
What is the formula for the Mixolydian?
The Mixolydian follows the interval formula: W-W-H-W-W-H-W (W = whole step, H = half step).
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Position in circle of fifths
A is at the 3 o'clock position. Related keys: E (dominant), D (subdominant), F# (relative minor), B (supertonic), G (subtonic).