Ab Mixolydian Mode
Ab – Bb – C – Db – Eb – F – Gb
Formula:W-W-H-W-W-H-W
Intervals:P1-M2-M3-P4-P5-M6-m7-P8
Scale Degrees:1-2-3-4-5-6-♭7-8
Introduction
The Ab Mixolydian mode is the fifth mode of the Db Major scale. It has a major sound with a flatted seventh degree, widely used in rock, blues, and folk.
Ab Mixolydian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | Ab4 | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | Bb4 | M2 |
| 3 | Mediant | C5 | M3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | Db5 | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | Eb5 | P5 |
| 6 | Submediant | F5 | M6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | Gb5 | m7 |
| 8 | Octave | Ab5 | P8 |
Ab Mixolydian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Ab Mixolydian mode?
Ab Mixolydian contains: Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, Gb. Fifth mode of Db Major. Flatted 7th (Gb instead of G).
How does Ab Mixolydian differ from Ab Major?
One note: flatted 7th (Gb vs G).
What is the parent major scale?
Fifth mode of Db Major.
How is Ab Mixolydian used in music?
Matches Ab7. Common in jazz, R&B, and gospel.
What chords are built from Ab Mixolydian?
Ab, Bbm, Cdim, Db, Ebm, Fm, Gb.
What songs use Mixolydian?
Sweet Home Alabama, blues, rock, R&B.
Practice Tips
- Lower G to Gb — hear the Mixolydian blues.
- Ab Mixolydian matches Ab7.
- Practice over an Ab7 vamp.
- Common in R&B and gospel.
- The bVII (Gb) over Ab is the hallmark.
- Compare with Ab Major.