A Mixolydian Mode

Hear the A Mixolydian Mode played for you.

A – B – C♯ – D – E – F♯ – G

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 A Mixolydian mode is the fifth mode of the D Major scale. It has a major sound with a flatted seventh degree, widely used in rock, blues, and folk.

A Mixolydian Mode Notes

Degree	Name	Note	Interval
1	Tonic	A	P1
2	Supertonic	B	M2
3	Mediant	C♯	M3
4	Subdominant	D	P4
5	Dominant	E	P5
6	Submediant	F♯	M6
♭7	Leading Tone	G	m7

How Mixolydian Relates to the Major Scale

Mode

Key

A Mixolydian uses the same notes as D Major

Relative modes — all share the same notes

D Ionian=E Dorian=F♯ Phrygian=G Lydian=A Mixolydian=B Aeolian=C♯ Locrian

Common Tones

Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the A mode shares with its parallel modes (same root, different scale) helps with improvisation, modal interchange, and smooth voice leading. The more notes two modes share, the more closely related they sound — and the easier it is to slide between them in a solo or progression.

Parallel Mode	Common Notes	Shared / 7
A Dorian	A – B – C♯ – D – E – F♯ – G – A	8 / 7
A Phrygian	A – B – C♯ – D – E – F♯ – G – A	8 / 7
A Lydian	A – B – C♯ – D – E – F♯ – G – A	8 / 7
A Locrian	A – B – C♯ – D – E – F♯ – G – A	8 / 7
A Ionian	A – B – C♯ – D – E	5 / 7
A Aeolian	A – B – C♯ – D – E	5 / 7

A Mixolydian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the A Mixolydian mode?

A Mixolydian contains: A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G. Fifth mode of D Major. Flatted 7th (G instead of G#).

How does A Mixolydian differ from A Major?

One note: flatted 7th (G vs G#).

What is the parent major scale?

Fifth mode of D Major.

How is A Mixolydian used in music?

Matches A7. Very common in blues, rock, and country. A7 is one of the most used dominant chords.

What chords are built from A Mixolydian?

A, Bm, C#dim, D, Em, F#m, G.

What songs use Mixolydian?

Sweet Home Alabama, blues, classic rock, country.

Practice Tips

Lower G# to G — hear the bluesy transformation.
A Mixolydian matches A7 — essential blues vocabulary.
Practice over an A7 vamp.
The I–bVII–IV (A–G–D) is classic rock.
Very common in country and blues.
Compare with A Major.