E♭ Mixolydian Mode

Hear the E♭ Mixolydian Mode played for you.

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 Eb Mixolydian mode is the fifth mode of the Ab 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	E♭	P1
2	Supertonic	F	M2
3	Mediant	G	M3
4	Subdominant	A♭	P4
5	Dominant	B♭	P5
6	Submediant	C	M6
♭7	Leading Tone	D♭	m7

How Mixolydian Relates to the Major Scale

Mode

Key

E♭ Mixolydian uses the same notes as A♭ Major

Relative modes — all share the same notes

A♭ Ionian=B♭ Dorian=C Phrygian=C♯ Lydian=E♭ Mixolydian=F Aeolian=G Locrian

Common Tones

Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the E♭ 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
E♭ Dorian	E♭ – F – G – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭	8 / 7
E♭ Phrygian	E♭ – F – G – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭	8 / 7
E♭ Lydian	E♭ – F – G – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭	8 / 7
E♭ Locrian	E♭ – F – G – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭	8 / 7
E♭ Ionian	E♭ – F – G – A♭	4 / 7
E♭ Aeolian	E♭ – F – G – A♭	4 / 7

E♭ Mixolydian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the Eb Mixolydian mode?

Eb Mixolydian contains: Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db. Fifth mode of Ab Major. Flatted 7th (Db instead of D).

How does Eb Mixolydian differ from Eb Major?

One note: flatted 7th (Db vs D).

What is the parent major scale?

Fifth mode of Ab Major.

How is Eb Mixolydian used in music?

Matches Eb7. Common in jazz, funk, and R&B.

What chords are built from Eb Mixolydian?

Eb, Fm, Gdim, Ab, Bbm, Cm, Db.

What songs use Mixolydian?

Sweet Home Alabama, Norwegian Wood, blues.

Practice Tips

Lower D to Db — hear the Mixolydian blues.
Eb Mixolydian matches Eb7.
Practice over an Eb7 vamp.
The bVII (Db) over Eb is the hallmark.
Common in jazz and funk.
Compare with Eb Major.