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C mixolydian scale on bass guitar
C Mixolydian uses C, D, E, F, G, A, B♭. Its Box 1 shape spans frets 0–3 with roots on string 3 fret 3 and string 1 fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the C mixolydian scale on bass?
C mixolydian in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 12 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to B♭ on the G string at fret 3. The root falls on the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 1, 3 | A, B♭, C |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, F |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2, 3 | G, A, B♭ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
C mixolydian in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 9 notes across 4 strings, from G on the E string at fret 3 up to C on the G string at fret 5. The root falls on the A string at fret 3 and the G string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3, 5, 6 | G, A, B♭ |
| 3 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 1 (G) | 3, 5 | B♭, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
C mixolydian in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 11 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 8 and the G string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 6, 8 | A, B♭, C |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7, 8 | D, E, F |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7, 8 | G, A, B♭ |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
Box 4 · frets 8–10
C mixolydian in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 10, 8 notes across 4 strings, from C on the E string at fret 8 up to F on the G string at fret 10. The root falls on the E string at fret 8 and the D string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 3 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
| 2 (D) | 8, 10 | B♭, C |
| 1 (G) | 9, 10 | E, F |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
C mixolydian in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 10 notes across 4 strings, from D on the E string at fret 10 up to G on the G string at fret 12. The root falls on the D string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 12, 13 | D, E, F |
| 3 (A) | 10, 12, 13 | G, A, B♭ |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
Why it sounds like that
C Mixolydian is the fifth mode of F major. It lowers the seventh degree of C major from B to B♭, creating a dominant sound. The scale follows the pattern W, W, H, W, W, H, W. Compare it with C major to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use C Mixolydian over C7, C9, or C13 chords in blues, rock, and funk. It fits progressions like C7–F7–G7. The ♭7 B♭ adds a bluesy edge. Try it over C major and F major.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It keeps the root on the A string and covers frets 0–3, ideal for C7 grooves.
Common questions
What notes are in C Mixolydian?
C Mixolydian contains C, D, E, F, G, A, and B♭. It is C major with a lowered seventh. The scale degrees are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7.
Which chords work with C Mixolydian?
C Mixolydian works over C7, C9, C13, and C major chords. The ♭7 B♭ creates a dominant sound. It also fits over F major and G minor progressions.
How does C Mixolydian differ from C major?
C Mixolydian lowers the seventh degree from B to B♭. This change gives the scale a dominant, bluesy character. The other six notes remain identical to C major.