D mixolydian (D, E, F♯, G, A, B, C) has one sharp in its key signature and its flattened 7th (C) gives it a bluesy, driving quality over D7 chords. It is a staple of rock, blues, and southern rock — the Grateful Dead built entire jams around D mixolydian. D mixolydian works beautifully on guitar with open-string voicings.
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 D Mixolydian are: D, Em, F#dim, G, Am, Bm, C. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Mixolydian?
D mixolydian (D, E, F♯, G, A, B, C) has one sharp in its key signature and its flattened 7th (C) gives it a bluesy, driving quality over D7 chords. It is a staple of rock, blues, and southern rock — the Grateful Dead built entire jams around D mixolydian. D mixolydian works beautifully on guitar with open-string voicings.
What notes are in the D Mixolydian?
The D Mixolydian contains the notes: D, E, F#, G, A, B, C. This is a 7-note scale starting from D.
How many chords does the D Mixolydian have?
The D Mixolydian produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: D, Em, F#dim, G, Am, Bm, C.
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
D is at the 2 o'clock position. Related keys: A (dominant), G (subdominant), B (relative minor), E (supertonic), C (subtonic).