D♭ Mixolydian Mode
Hear the D♭ Mixolydian Mode played for you.
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 Db Mixolydian mode is the fifth mode of the Gb 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 | D♭ | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | E♭ | M2 |
| 3 | Mediant | F | M3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | G♭ | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | A♭ | P5 |
| 6 | Submediant | B♭ | M6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | C♭ | 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
C♯ Mixolydian uses the same notes as F♯ Major
Relative modes — all share the same notes
F♯ Ionian=A♭ Dorian=B♭ Phrygian=B Lydian=C♯ Mixolydian=E♭ Aeolian=F Locrian
Common Tones
Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the D♭ 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 |
|---|---|---|
| D♭ Dorian | D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C♭ – D♭ | 8 / 7 |
| D♭ Phrygian | D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C♭ – D♭ | 8 / 7 |
| D♭ Lydian | D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C♭ – D♭ | 8 / 7 |
| D♭ Locrian | D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C♭ – D♭ | 8 / 7 |
| D♭ Ionian | D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭ | 4 / 7 |
| D♭ Aeolian | D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭ | 4 / 7 |
D♭ Mixolydian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Db Mixolydian mode?
Db Mixolydian contains: Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb. Fifth mode of Gb Major. Flatted 7th (Cb instead of C).
How does Db Mixolydian differ from Db Major?
One note: Db Mixolydian has Cb (minor 7th), Db Major has C (major 7th).
What is the parent major scale?
Fifth mode of Gb Major.
How is Db Mixolydian used in music?
Matches Db7 chords. Blues, rock, jazz. Also a tritone sub for G7.
What chords are built from Db Mixolydian?
Db, Ebm, Fdim, Gb, Abm, Bbm, Cb.
What songs use Mixolydian?
Sweet Home Alabama, Norwegian Wood, blues.
Practice Tips
- Lower C to Cb — hear the bluesy Mixolydian sound.
- Db Mixolydian matches Db7.
- Practice over a Db7 vamp.
- The bVII (Cb Major) over Db is the Mixolydian hallmark.
- Compare with Db Major (Ionian).
- Blues and rock applications.
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.