C Mixolydian Mode

Hear the C Mixolydian Mode played for you.

C – D – E – F – G – A – B♭

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 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

How Mixolydian Relates to the Major Scale

Mode

Key

C Mixolydian uses the same notes as F Major

Relative modes — all share the same notes

F Ionian=G Dorian=A Phrygian=B♭ Lydian=C Mixolydian=D 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 Ionian	C – D – E – F – G	5 / 7
C Aeolian	C – D – E – F – G	5 / 7

C Mixolydian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the C Mixolydian mode?

C Mixolydian contains: C, D, E, F, G, A, Bb. Fifth mode of F Major. The flatted 7th (Bb instead of B) is the defining characteristic — it creates the bluesy, driving, earthy sound.

How does C Mixolydian differ from C Major?

One note: C Mixolydian has Bb (minor 7th), C Major has B (major 7th). That flatted 7th gives Mixolydian its bluesy, rock character.

What is the parent major scale of C Mixolydian?

C Mixolydian is the fifth mode of F Major. Same seven notes with C as tonal centre.

How is C Mixolydian used in music?

Mixolydian is the mode of blues, rock, and country. It is the natural scale for dominant 7th chords. Any time you see C7, C Mixolydian is the matching scale.

What chords are built from C Mixolydian?

C, Dm, Edim, F, Gm, Am, Bb. The dominant 7th on the tonic (C7) and the bVII chord (Bb Major) are the hallmarks.

What songs use Mixolydian?

Sweet Home Alabama (Lynyrd Skynyrd), Norwegian Wood (Beatles), Royals (Lorde), and most blues music use Mixolydian. It is the second most used mode after Ionian.

Practice Tips

Play C Major then lower B to Bb — hear the bluesy, earthy transformation.
C Mixolydian matches C7 — whenever you see a dominant 7th chord, Mixolydian is the default scale.
The Bb (bVII) chord over C is the hallmark Mixolydian sound — play C then Bb Major.
Practice C Mixolydian over a C7 vamp for blues and rock improvisation.
Compare C Mixolydian with C Major — one note changes the entire mood from bright to earthy.
Sweet Home Alabama uses the Mixolydian I–bVII–IV pattern — try C–Bb–F.