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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 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

DegreeNameNoteInterval
1TonicDP1
2SupertonicEM2
3MediantF♯M3
4SubdominantGP4
5DominantAP5
6SubmediantBM6
♭7Leading ToneCm7

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

D Mixolydian uses the same notes as G Major

Relative modes — all share the same notes
G Ionian=A Dorian=B Phrygian=C Lydian=D 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 ModeCommon NotesShared / 7
D DorianD – E – F♯ – G – A – B – C – D8 / 7
D PhrygianD – E – F♯ – G – A – B – C – D8 / 7
D LydianD – E – F♯ – G – A – B – C – D8 / 7
D LocrianD – E – F♯ – G – A – B – C – D8 / 7
D IonianD – E – F♯ – G – A5 / 7
D AeolianD – E – F♯ – G – A5 / 7

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.

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.