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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 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

DegreeNameNoteInterval
1TonicEP1
2SupertonicF♯M2
3MediantG♯M3
4SubdominantAP4
5DominantBP5
6SubmediantC♯M6
♭7Leading ToneDm7

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

E Mixolydian uses the same notes as A Major

Relative modes — all share the same notes
A Ionian=B Dorian=C♯ Phrygian=D Lydian=E Mixolydian=F♯ Aeolian=A♭ 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 ModeCommon NotesShared / 7
E DorianE – F♯ – G♯ – A – B – C♯ – D – E8 / 7
E PhrygianE – F♯ – G♯ – A – B – C♯ – D – E8 / 7
E LydianE – F♯ – G♯ – A – B – C♯ – D – E8 / 7
E LocrianE – F♯ – G♯ – A – B – C♯ – D – E8 / 7
E IonianE – F♯ – G♯ – A – B5 / 7
E AeolianE – F♯ – G♯ – A – B5 / 7

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.

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.