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B mixolydian scale on bass guitar
B Mixolydian uses B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯, A. Its Box 1 shape spans frets 0–2 with roots on string 3 fret 2 and string 1 fret 4.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the B mixolydian scale on bass?
B mixolydian in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 2, 8 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 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 2 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2 | A, B |
| 2 (D) | 1, 2 | D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
B mixolydian in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 9 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 A string at fret 2 and the G string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 4, 5 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 3 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
B mixolydian in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 11 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the E string at fret 4 up to C♯ on the G string at fret 6. The root falls on the E string at fret 7 and the G string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
| 3 (A) | 4, 6, 7 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 2 (D) | 4, 6, 7 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 1 (G) | 4, 6 | B, C♯ |
Box 4 · frets 7–9
B mixolydian in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 9, 8 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 E string at fret 7 and the D string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 1 (G) | 8, 9 | D♯, E |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
B mixolydian in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the E string at fret 9 up to F♯ on the G string at fret 11. The root falls on the D string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 11, 12 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (A) | 9, 11, 12 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (G) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
Box 6 · frets 11–14
B mixolydian in box 6 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 12 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the E string at fret 11 up to A on the G string at fret 14. The root falls on the A string at fret 14.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11, 12, 14 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 11, 12, 14 | G♯, A, B |
| 2 (D) | 11, 13, 14 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 11, 13, 14 | F♯, G♯, A |
Why it sounds like that
B Mixolydian is the fifth mode of E major. It lowers the seventh degree of B major from A♯ to A, creating a dominant sound. The scale follows the pattern W, W, H, W, W, H, W. Compare it with B major to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use B Mixolydian over B7, B9, or B13 chords in blues, rock, and funk. It fits progressions like B7–E7–F♯7. The ♭7 A adds a bluesy edge. Try it over B major and E major.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It keeps the root on the A string and covers frets 0–2, ideal for B7 grooves.
Common questions
What notes are in B Mixolydian?
B Mixolydian contains B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯, and A. It is B major with a lowered seventh. The scale degrees are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7.
Which chords work with B Mixolydian?
B Mixolydian works over B7, B9, B13, and B major chords. The ♭7 A creates a dominant sound. It also fits over E major and F♯ minor progressions.
How does B Mixolydian differ from B major?
B Mixolydian lowers the seventh degree from A♯ to A. This change gives the scale a dominant, bluesy character. The other six notes remain identical to B major.