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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 1–4 with roots on string 3 fret 4 and string 1 fret 6.
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 1 to fret 4, 12 notes across 4 strings, from E♯ on the E string at fret 1 up to B on the G string at fret 4. The root falls on the A string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 1, 2, 4 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 3 (A) | 1, 2, 4 | A♯, B, C♯ |
| 2 (D) | 1, 3, 4 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 1, 3, 4 | G♯, A♯, B |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
C♯ mixolydian in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 9 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 A string at fret 4 and the G string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4, 6, 7 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 3 (A) | 4, 6 | C♯, D♯ |
| 2 (D) | 4, 6 | F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (G) | 4, 6 | B, C♯ |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
C♯ mixolydian in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 11 notes across 4 strings, from A♯ on the E string at fret 6 up to D♯ on the G string at fret 8. The root falls on the E string at fret 9 and the G string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 6, 7, 9 | A♯, B, C♯ |
| 3 (A) | 6, 8, 9 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 6, 8, 9 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 1 (G) | 6, 8 | C♯, D♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–11
C♯ mixolydian in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 11, 8 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 E string at fret 9 and the D string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 11 | C♯, D♯ |
| 3 (A) | 9, 11 | F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (G) | 10, 11 | E♯, F♯ |
Box 5 · frets 11–14
C♯ mixolydian in box 5 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 10 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the E string at fret 11 up to G♯ on the G string at fret 13. The root falls on the D string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11, 13, 14 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 11, 13, 14 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 2 (D) | 11, 13 | C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (G) | 11, 13 | 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 C♯7, C♯9, or C♯13 chords in blues, rock, and funk. It fits progressions like C♯7–F♯7–G♯7. 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 1–4, ideal for C♯7 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. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords work with C♯ Mixolydian?
C♯ Mixolydian works over C♯7, C♯9, C♯13, 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.