E Mixolydian Mode
E – F# – G# – A – B – C# – D
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 E Mixolydian mode is the fifth mode of the A Major scale. It has a major sound with a flatted seventh degree, widely used in rock, blues, and folk.
E Mixolydian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | E4 | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | F#4 | M2 |
| 3 | Mediant | G#4 | M3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | A4 | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | B4 | P5 |
| 6 | Submediant | C#5 | M6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | D5 | m7 |
| 8 | Octave | E5 | P8 |
E Mixolydian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the E Mixolydian mode?
E Mixolydian contains: E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D. Fifth mode of A Major. Flatted 7th (D instead of D#).
How does E Mixolydian differ from E Major?
One note: flatted 7th (D vs D#).
What is the parent major scale?
Fifth mode of A Major.
How is E Mixolydian used in music?
Matches E7. Essential for blues in E — the most common blues key. Rock and country.
What chords are built from E Mixolydian?
E, F#m, G#dim, A, Bm, C#m, D.
What songs use Mixolydian?
Sweet Home Alabama, blues in E, classic rock.
Practice Tips
- Lower D# to D — hear the blues.
- E Mixolydian matches E7 — the most important blues chord.
- Practice over an E7 vamp — essential blues vocabulary.
- The bVII (D) over E is the hallmark.
- E Mixolydian is the foundation of blues guitar and piano.
- Compare with E Major.