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D mixolydian scale on bass guitar
D Mixolydian uses D, E, F♯, G, A, B, C. Its Box 1 shape spans frets 0–3 with root on string 3 fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the D mixolydian scale on bass?
D mixolydian in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 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 D string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
D mixolydian in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 12 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the E string at fret 2 up to C on the G string at fret 5. The root falls on the A string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
| 3 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4, 5 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
D mixolydian in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 9 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 A string at fret 5 and the G string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
D mixolydian in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 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 10 and the G string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9, 10 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
Box 5 · frets 10–12
D mixolydian in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 12, 8 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 E string at fret 10 and the D string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 3 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 11, 12 | F♯, G |
Why it sounds like that
D Mixolydian is the fifth mode of G major. It lowers the seventh degree of D major from C♯ to C, creating a dominant sound. The scale follows the pattern W, W, H, W, W, H, W. Compare it with D major to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use D Mixolydian over D7, D9, or D13 chords in blues, rock, and funk. It fits progressions like D7–G7–A7. The ♭7 C adds a bluesy edge. Try it over D major and G major.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It keeps the root on the A string and covers frets 0–3, ideal for D7 grooves.
Common questions
What notes are in D Mixolydian?
D Mixolydian contains D, E, F♯, G, A, B, and C. It is D major with a lowered seventh. The scale degrees are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7.
Which chords work with D Mixolydian?
D Mixolydian works over D7, D9, D13, and D major chords. The ♭7 C creates a dominant sound. It also fits over G major and A minor progressions.
How does D Mixolydian differ from D major?
D Mixolydian lowers the seventh degree from C♯ to C. This change gives the scale a dominant, bluesy character. The other six notes remain identical to D major.