Explore scales · Bass
F mixolydian scale on bass guitar
F Mixolydian uses F, G, A, B♭, C, D, E♭. Its Box 1 shape spans frets 1–3 with roots on string 4 fret 1 and string 2 fret 3.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the F mixolydian scale on bass?
F mixolydian in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 3, 8 notes across 4 strings, from F on the E string at fret 1 up to B♭ on the G string at fret 3. The root falls on the E string at fret 1 and the D string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 3 (A) | 1, 3 | B♭, C |
| 2 (D) | 1, 3 | E♭, F |
| 1 (G) | 2, 3 | A, B♭ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
F mixolydian in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 10 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 D string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3, 5, 6 | G, A, B♭ |
| 3 (A) | 3, 5, 6 | C, D, E♭ |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 1 (G) | 3, 5 | B♭, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
F mixolydian in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 12 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to E♭ on the G string at fret 8. The root falls on the A string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 6, 8 | A, B♭, C |
| 3 (A) | 5, 6, 8 | D, E♭, F |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7, 8 | G, A, B♭ |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7, 8 | C, D, E♭ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
F mixolydian in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 9 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 A string at fret 8 and the G string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8, 10, 11 | C, D, E♭ |
| 3 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
| 2 (D) | 8, 10 | B♭, C |
| 1 (G) | 8, 10 | E♭, F |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
F mixolydian in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 11 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 13 and the G string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 11, 13 | D, E♭, F |
| 3 (A) | 10, 12, 13 | G, A, B♭ |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12, 13 | C, D, E♭ |
| 1 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
Why it sounds like that
F Mixolydian is the fifth mode of B♭ major. It lowers the seventh degree of F major from E to E♭, creating a dominant sound. The scale follows the pattern W, W, H, W, W, H, W. Compare it with F major to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use F Mixolydian over F7, F9, or F13 chords in blues, rock, and funk. It fits progressions like F7–B♭7–C7. The ♭7 E♭ adds a bluesy edge. Try it over F major and B♭ major.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It keeps the root on the E string and covers frets 1–3, ideal for F7 grooves.
Common questions
What notes are in F Mixolydian?
F Mixolydian contains F, G, A, B♭, C, D, and E♭. It is F major with a lowered seventh. The scale degrees are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7.
Which chords work with F Mixolydian?
F Mixolydian works over F7, F9, F13, and F major chords. The ♭7 E♭ creates a dominant sound. It also fits over B♭ major and C minor progressions.
How does F Mixolydian differ from F major?
F Mixolydian lowers the seventh degree from E to E♭. This change gives the scale a dominant, bluesy character. The other six notes remain identical to F major.