G Mixolydian Mode

G – A – B – C – D – E – F
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 G Mixolydian mode is the fifth mode of the C Major scale. It has a major sound with a flatted seventh degree, widely used in rock, blues, and folk.

G Mixolydian Mode Notes

DegreeNameNoteInterval
1TonicG4P1
2SupertonicA4M2
3MediantB4M3
4SubdominantC5P4
5DominantD5P5
6SubmediantE5M6
♭7Leading ToneF5m7
8OctaveG5P8

G Mixolydian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the G Mixolydian mode?

G Mixolydian contains: G, A, B, C, D, E, F. All white keys. Fifth mode of C Major. Flatted 7th (F instead of F#).

How does G Mixolydian differ from G Major?

One note: G Mixolydian has F (minor 7th), G Major has F# (major 7th). All white keys.

What is the parent major scale?

Fifth mode of C Major. Same seven notes with G as tonal centre.

How is G Mixolydian used in music?

Matches G7 — the most common dominant chord in music. G Mixolydian is the default scale for blues in C and rock.

What chords are built from G Mixolydian?

G, Am, Bdim, C, Dm, Em, F.

What songs use Mixolydian?

Sweet Home Alabama, Norwegian Wood (Beatles), Royals (Lorde). G Mixolydian may be the most common Mixolydian key.

Practice Tips

  • G Mixolydian is all white keys — the easiest Mixolydian mode.
  • F natural (instead of F#) is the Mixolydian signature — play G Major scale with F instead of F#.
  • G Mixolydian matches G7 — the most important dominant chord in music.
  • Practice over a G7 vamp — fundamental blues and rock vocabulary.
  • The I–bVII–IV (G–F–C) is the classic rock Mixolydian progression.
  • Norwegian Wood by the Beatles uses G Mixolydian.