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F♯ mixolydian scale on bass guitar
F♯ Mixolydian uses F♯, G♯, A♯, B, C♯, D♯, E. Its Box 1 shape spans frets 0–3 with roots on string 4 fret 2 and string 2 fret 4.
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 0 to fret 3, 8 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to A♯ on the G string at fret 3. The root falls on the E string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 2 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 1, 2 | A♯, B |
| 2 (D) | 1, 2 | D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 1, 3 | G♯, A♯ |
Box 2 · frets 2–4
F♯ mixolydian in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 4, 8 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 E string at fret 2 and the D string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 4 | F♯, G♯ |
| 3 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 3, 4 | A♯, B |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
F♯ mixolydian in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 10 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 D string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4, 6, 7 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 3 (A) | 4, 6, 7 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 2 (D) | 4, 6 | F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (G) | 4, 6 | B, C♯ |
Box 4 · frets 6–9
F♯ mixolydian in box 4 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 12 notes across 4 strings, from A♯ on the E string at fret 6 up to E on the G string at fret 9. The root falls on the A string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 6, 7, 9 | A♯, B, C♯ |
| 3 (A) | 6, 7, 9 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 6, 8, 9 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 1 (G) | 6, 8, 9 | C♯, D♯, E |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
F♯ mixolydian in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 9 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 A string at fret 9 and the G string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 11, 12 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (A) | 9, 11 | F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (G) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
Box 6 · frets 11–14
F♯ mixolydian in box 6 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 11 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 E string at fret 14 and the G string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11, 12, 14 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 11, 13, 14 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 2 (D) | 11, 13, 14 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 11, 13 | 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 F♯7, F♯9, or F♯13 chords in blues, rock, and funk. It fits progressions like F♯7–B7–C♯7. 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 0–3, ideal for F♯7 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. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords work with F♯ Mixolydian?
F♯ Mixolydian works over F♯7, F♯9, F♯13, 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.