G♭ Mixolydian Mode
Hear the G♭ Mixolydian Mode played for you.
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 Gb Mixolydian mode is the fifth mode of the Cb Major scale. It has a major sound with a flatted seventh degree, widely used in rock, blues, and folk.
G♭ Mixolydian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | G♭ | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | A♭ | M2 |
| 3 | Mediant | B♭ | M3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | C♭ | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | D♭ | P5 |
| 6 | Submediant | E♭ | M6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | F♭ | m7 |
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
F♯ Mixolydian uses the same notes as B Major
Relative modes — all share the same notes
B Ionian=C♯ Dorian=E♭ Phrygian=E Lydian=F♯ Mixolydian=A♭ Aeolian=B♭ Locrian
Common Tones
Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the G♭ 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 |
|---|---|---|
| G♭ Dorian | G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭ | 8 / 7 |
| G♭ Phrygian | G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭ | 8 / 7 |
| G♭ Lydian | G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭ | 8 / 7 |
| G♭ Locrian | G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭ | 8 / 7 |
| G♭ Ionian | G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C♭ | 4 / 7 |
| G♭ Aeolian | G♭ – A♭ – B♭ | 3 / 7 |
G♭ Mixolydian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Gb Mixolydian mode?
Gb Mixolydian contains: Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, Fb. Fifth mode of Cb Major. Enharmonic of F# Mixolydian.
How does Gb Mixolydian differ from Gb Major?
One note: flatted 7th (Fb vs F).
What is the parent major scale?
Fifth mode of Cb Major (enharmonically B Major).
How is Gb Mixolydian used in music?
Matches Gb7. Enharmonic F# Mixolydian is more common.
What chords are built from Gb Mixolydian?
Gb, Abm, Bbdim, Cb, Dbm, Ebm, Fb.
What songs use Mixolydian?
Sweet Home Alabama, blues, rock.
Practice Tips
- Gb Mixolydian and F# Mixolydian are enharmonic.
- Lower F to Fb (E) — hear the blues.
- Matches Gb7.
- Practice over a Gb7 vamp.
- Translate to F# Mixolydian for easier reading.
- Compare with Gb 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.