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 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

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

Mode

Key

G Mixolydian uses the same notes as C Major

Relative modes — all share the same notes

C Ionian=D Dorian=E Phrygian=F Lydian=G 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 – D	5 / 7
G Aeolian	G – A – B – C – D	5 / 7

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.