D Mixolydian Mode
D – E – F# – G – A – B – C
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 D Mixolydian mode is the fifth mode of the G Major scale. It has a major sound with a flatted seventh degree, widely used in rock, blues, and folk.
D Mixolydian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | D4 | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | E4 | M2 |
| 3 | Mediant | F#4 | M3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | G4 | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | A4 | P5 |
| 6 | Submediant | B4 | M6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | C5 | m7 |
| 8 | Octave | D5 | P8 |
D Mixolydian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the D Mixolydian mode?
D Mixolydian contains: D, E, F#, G, A, B, C. Fifth mode of G Major. Flatted 7th (C instead of C#).
How does D Mixolydian differ from D Major?
One note: D Mixolydian has C (minor 7th), D Major has C# (major 7th).
What is the parent major scale?
Fifth mode of G Major.
How is D Mixolydian used in music?
Matches D7 chords. Very common in blues, rock, and country. D7 is one of the most used dominant chords.
What chords are built from D Mixolydian?
D, Em, F#dim, G, Am, Bm, C.
What songs use Mixolydian?
Sweet Home Alabama, Norwegian Wood, blues.
Practice Tips
- Lower C# to C — hear the bluesy transformation.
- D Mixolydian matches D7 — essential for blues in G.
- Practice over a D7 vamp.
- The bVII (C Major) over D is the hallmark.
- Very common in rock and country.
- Compare with D Major.