The C♭ Mixolydian scale contains seven notes: C♭, D♭, E♭, F♭, G♭, A♭, and B♭♭. It follows the whole-step / half-step pattern W-W-H-W-W-H-W.
The C♭ Mixolydian mode is the fifth mode of the F♭ Major scale. It has a major sound with a flatted seventh degree, widely used in rock, blues, and folk.
C♭ Mixolydian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | C♭ | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | D♭ | M2 |
| 3 | Mediant | E♭ | M3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | F♭ | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | G♭ | P5 |
| 6 | Submediant | A♭ | M6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | B♭♭ | m7 |
Diatonic Chords in the C♭ Mixolydian Mode
These are the triads built on each degree of the C♭ Mixolydian Mode:
How Mixolydian Relates to the Major Scale
Mode
Key
C♭ 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 C♭ 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 |
|---|---|---|
| C♭ Dorian | C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ – B♭♭ – C♭ | 8 / 7 |
| C♭ Phrygian | C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ – B♭♭ – C♭ | 8 / 7 |
| C♭ Lydian | C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ – B♭♭ – C♭ | 8 / 7 |
| C♭ Locrian | C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ – B♭♭ – C♭ | 8 / 7 |
| C♭ Aeolian | C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭ | 5 / 7 |
| C♭ Ionian | C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭ | 4 / 7 |
C♭ Mixolydian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Cb Mixolydian mode?
Cb Mixolydian is the enharmonic equivalent of B Mixolydian. Same notes.
How does Cb Mixolydian differ from Cb Major?
One note: flatted 7th.
What is the parent major scale?
Fifth mode of Fb Major (enharmonically E Major).
How is Cb Mixolydian used in music?
Musicians use B Mixolydian in practice.
What songs use Mixolydian?
Sound identical regardless of spelling.
Do I need both spellings?
Learn B Mixolydian and understand the enharmonic relationship.