The Scale:
The Mixolydian Mode is major in nature (it has a major third), it shares a great deal with the major scale – the only point of difference being a flattened seventh (b7). It is used regularly in Jazz, Funk and Blues – mostly because it is really easy to work Mixolydian licks in to standard pentatonic for a more modern sound. There are many ways to play an A Mixolydian scale, but we’ll stick with the 5th fret box position that should be familiar to you from the series. Transpose the root note to other frets on the 6th strong to suit – 3rd fret would be G Mixolydian, 8th fret C Mixolydian… and so on:
Mixolydian Ascending
Mixolydian Descending
The Mixolydian Box
*You can substitute the 8th fret of the B string for the 3rd fret of the E in the diagram above. I have shown my preferred method, but whatever works best for you is cool with me!
Mixolydian Mode Theory
Mixolydian is the fifth major scale mode. The intervallic formula is ‘WWHWWHW‘ (W Whole tone or 2 frets, H = Half tone or 1 fret). As compared to a major scale, Mixolydian has a flattened seventh scale degree it is major in tonality, and being built on the fifth degree of the major scale, it works particularly well over dominant chords.
Mixolydian is popular in many genres, and is the foundation of much of the sleazy 80’s rock we all know and love… AC/DCs ‘Back in Black’, Joe Satriani’s ‘The Extremist’ and ‘She Bangs the Drum’ by the Stone Roses are all examples of the Mixolydian mode. He may not have known it, but even B.B King often played Mixolydian licks.
Some Example licks
Check out these example Mixolydian Mode licks, you’ll find the TAB as well as a guide to the symbols, below:
1) Legato:
2) 3-Notes-Per-String – Alternate Pick or Legato:
3) Bend Up & Break Down:
4) A Classic:
Hammer ons: h.
Pull offs: p.
Vibrato: ~.
Bends: b.
Release bend: br.
Tap: t.
Slides: / or \ depending on direction.
You can download a PDF of the licks here.
The Extra Flash
Once you’ve grasped the material above, try transposing it in to different keys – move the examples above up the neck two frets and you’re in B Mixolydian, down 5 frets – E Mixolydian, and so on. Remember the modal scale relationships as well – you can play A Mixolydian licks over a backing track in the key of E major, for example. Check out the theory lessons for a refresher!
You’ll find some backing tracks to noodle over on my YouTube channel HERE.
And that’s the Mixolydian Mode scale for you. You can find more articles on scales and guitar technique to help you develop as a player here. If you’ve got any questions please get in touch on Facebook or Twitter.
Funk it on up!
