5th Mode of Major · W–W–H–W–W–H–W
The fifth mode of the major scale — a major scale with a flatted seventh degree that gives it a bluesy, rocking, dominant character. Mixolydian is the sound of classic rock, blues, and funk.
The warm oranges palette on this page is inspired by music-color synesthesia — a neurological phenomenon where people perceive colors when hearing music. Synesthetes commonly associate Mixolydian mode with warm oranges, reflecting its bluesy, driving, and earthy feel.
Mixolydian mode in all 18 keys — click any card for full diagrams, fingerings, audio, and notation.
Only one note changes — the 7th degree is flatted by a half step. This single change removes the leading tone's pull toward the tonic, giving Mixolydian a more relaxed, open feel. The ♭VII major chord is the hallmark Mixolydian sound.
Mixolydian mode starts on the fifth degree of the major scale. Like the major scale in most respects, it has one crucial difference: a flatted seventh. This ♭VII gives Mixolydian its unmistakable bluesy, driving, earthy quality. It is the foundation of blues, rock, and funk tonality.