B Mixolydian Mode
Hear the B Mixolydian Mode played for you.
B – C♯ – D♯ – E – F♯ – G♯ – A
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 B Mixolydian mode is the fifth mode of the E Major scale. It has a major sound with a flatted seventh degree, widely used in rock, blues, and folk.
B Mixolydian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | B | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | C♯ | M2 |
| 3 | Mediant | D♯ | M3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | E | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | F♯ | P5 |
| 6 | Submediant | G♯ | M6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | A | m7 |
How Mixolydian Relates to the Major Scale
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C#
D#
F#
G#
A#
C#
D#
F#
G#
A#
Mode
Key
B Mixolydian uses the same notes as E Major
Relative modes — all share the same notes
E Ionian=F♯ Dorian=A♭ Phrygian=A Lydian=B Mixolydian=C♯ Aeolian=E♭ Locrian
Common Tones
Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the B 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.
B Mixolydian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the B Mixolydian mode?
B Mixolydian contains: B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A. Fifth mode of E Major. Flatted 7th (A instead of A#).
How does B Mixolydian differ from B Major?
One note: flatted 7th (A vs A#).
What is the parent major scale?
Fifth mode of E Major.
How is B Mixolydian used in music?
Matches B7. Common in blues in E and rock.
What chords are built from B Mixolydian?
B, C#m, D#dim, E, F#m, G#m, A.
What songs use Mixolydian?
Blues, rock, country.
Practice Tips
- Lower A# to A — hear the blues.
- B Mixolydian matches B7 — the V in blues in E.
- Practice over a B7 vamp.
- The bVII (A) over B is the hallmark.
- Common in blues and rock.
- Compare with B Major.
Related Tools
Circle of FifthsVisualize key relationships, relative minors, and key signatures.Chord FinderLook up any chord — see the notes, hear it, and play along.Practice RoomPlug in a MIDI keyboard and get real-time feedback on every chord and scale.Chord DrillTimed drills to build speed and recognition across all chord types.MIDI MonitorLive MIDI message stream with note names, velocity, and a scrolling staff.