Explore scales · Bass
E mixolydian scale on bass guitar
E Mixolydian uses E, F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯, D. Its Box 1 shape spans frets 0–2 with root on string 2 fret 2.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the E mixolydian scale on bass?
E 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 E string at fret 0 and the D 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) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 1 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
E mixolydian in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 10 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 D string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 4, 5 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 3 (A) | 2, 4, 5 | B, C♯, D |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
E mixolydian in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 12 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the E string at fret 4 up to D on the G string at fret 7. The root falls on the A string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
| 3 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
| 2 (D) | 4, 6, 7 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 1 (G) | 4, 6, 7 | B, C♯, D |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
E mixolydian in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 9 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 A string at fret 7 and the G string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 9, 10 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
E mixolydian in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 11 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 12 and the G string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 3 (A) | 9, 11, 12 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11, 12 | B, C♯, D |
| 1 (G) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
Why it sounds like that
E Mixolydian is the fifth mode of A major. It lowers the seventh degree of E major from D♯ to D, creating a dominant sound. The scale follows the pattern W, W, H, W, W, H, W. Compare it with E major to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use E Mixolydian over E7, E9, or E13 chords in blues, rock, and funk. It fits progressions like E7–A7–B7. The ♭7 D adds a bluesy edge. Try it over E major and A major.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It keeps the root on the D string and covers frets 0–2, ideal for E7 grooves.
Common questions
What notes are in E Mixolydian?
E Mixolydian contains E, F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯, and D. It is E major with a lowered seventh. The scale degrees are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7.
Which chords work with E Mixolydian?
E Mixolydian works over E7, E9, E13, and E major chords. The ♭7 D creates a dominant sound. It also fits over A major and B minor progressions.
How does E Mixolydian differ from E major?
E Mixolydian lowers the seventh degree from D♯ to D. This change gives the scale a dominant, bluesy character. The other six notes remain identical to E major.