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A mixolydian scale on bass guitar
A Mixolydian uses A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G. Its Box 1 shape spans frets 0–3 with roots on string 4 fret 5 and string 1 fret 2.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the A mixolydian scale on bass?
A mixolydian in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 9 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to A on the G string at fret 2. The root falls on the A string at fret 0 and the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2 | A, B |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
A mixolydian in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 11 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the E string at fret 2 up to B on the G string at fret 4. The root falls on the E string at fret 5 and the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
| 3 (A) | 2, 4, 5 | B, C♯, D |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4, 5 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
Box 3 · frets 5–7
A mixolydian in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 7, 8 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to D on the G string at fret 7. The root falls on the E string at fret 5 and the D string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
A mixolydian in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 10 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to E on the G string at fret 9. The root falls on the D string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 9, 10 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9, 10 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
A mixolydian in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 12 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the E string at fret 9 up to G on the G string at fret 12. The root falls on the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 3 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11, 12 | B, C♯, D |
| 1 (G) | 9, 11, 12 | E, F♯, G |
Why it sounds like that
A Mixolydian is the fifth mode of D major. It lowers the seventh degree of A major from G♯ to G, creating a dominant sound. The scale follows the pattern W, W, H, W, W, H, W. Compare it with A major to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use A Mixolydian over A7, A9, or A13 chords in blues, rock, and funk. It fits progressions like A7–D7–E7. The ♭7 G adds a bluesy edge. Try it over A major and D major.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It keeps the root on the low E string and covers frets 0–3, ideal for A7 grooves.
Common questions
What notes are in A Mixolydian?
A Mixolydian contains A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯, and G. It is A major with a lowered seventh. The scale degrees are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7.
Which chords work with A Mixolydian?
A Mixolydian works over A7, A9, A13, and A major chords. The ♭7 G creates a dominant sound. It also fits over D major and E minor progressions.
How does A Mixolydian differ from A major?
A Mixolydian lowers the seventh degree from G♯ to G. This change gives the scale a dominant, bluesy character. The other six notes remain identical to A major.