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Mode · Reference entry
C Mixolydian Mode
Mixolydian mode · C – D – E – F – G – A – B♭ · intervals P1-M2-M3-P4-P5-M6-m7-P8
The C Mixolydian Mode contains the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B♭. Its step pattern is W-W-H-W-W-H-W. A major scale with a flatted 7th — the bluesy, rock-and-roll major scale, common in folk music.
Maintained for accuracy · Last updated July 2026 · How we review
Flashcards · Scale
Three questions on C Mixolydian Mode
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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
Key Signature
The C Mixolydian Mode draws its notes from F Major, so it is written with that key signature: 1 flat (B♭).
B♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic:Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Diatonic Chords in the C Mixolydian Mode
These are the triads built on each degree of the C Mixolydian Mode:
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.
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.