Bb Mixolydian Mode
Bb – C – D – Eb – F – G – Ab
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 Bb Mixolydian mode is the fifth mode of the Eb Major scale. It has a major sound with a flatted seventh degree, widely used in rock, blues, and folk.
Bb Mixolydian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | Bb4 | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | C5 | M2 |
| 3 | Mediant | D5 | M3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | Eb5 | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | F5 | P5 |
| 6 | Submediant | G5 | M6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | Ab5 | m7 |
| 8 | Octave | Bb5 | P8 |
Bb Mixolydian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Bb Mixolydian mode?
Bb Mixolydian contains: Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab. Fifth mode of Eb Major. Flatted 7th (Ab instead of A).
How does Bb Mixolydian differ from Bb Major?
One note: flatted 7th (Ab vs A).
What is the parent major scale?
Fifth mode of Eb Major.
How is Bb Mixolydian used in music?
Matches Bb7. Very common in jazz, blues, funk, and gospel. Bb is a standard brass key.
What chords are built from Bb Mixolydian?
Bb, Cm, Ddim, Eb, Fm, Gm, Ab.
What songs use Mixolydian?
Sweet Home Alabama, blues, jazz, gospel.
Practice Tips
- Lower A to Ab — hear the Mixolydian blues.
- Bb Mixolydian matches Bb7 — extremely common in jazz.
- Practice over a Bb7 vamp.
- The bVII (Ab) over Bb is the hallmark.
- Common in jazz, blues, and gospel.
- Bb is a standard key for horn players.