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G mixolydian scale on bass guitar
G Mixolydian uses G, A, B, C, D, E, F. Its Box 1 shape spans frets 0–3 with roots on string 4 fret 3 and string 2 fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the G mixolydian scale on bass?
G mixolydian in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 11 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 3 and the G string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, F |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 2 · frets 3–5
G mixolydian in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 5, 8 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 E string at fret 3 and the D string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 3 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 1 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
G mixolydian in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 10 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 D string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7, 8 | D, E, F |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
G mixolydian in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 12 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to F on the G string at fret 10. The root falls on the A string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
G mixolydian in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 9 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 A string at fret 10 and the G string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 12, 13 | D, E, F |
| 3 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
Why it sounds like that
G Mixolydian is the fifth mode of C major. It lowers the seventh degree of G major from F♯ to F, creating a dominant sound. The scale follows the pattern W, W, H, W, W, H, W. Compare it with G major to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use G Mixolydian over G7, G9, or G13 chords in blues, rock, and funk. It fits progressions like G7–C7–D7. The ♭7 F adds a bluesy edge. Try it over G major and C major.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It keeps the root on the E string and covers frets 0–3, ideal for G7 grooves.
Common questions
What notes are in G Mixolydian?
G Mixolydian contains G, A, B, C, D, E, and F. It is G major with a lowered seventh. The scale degrees are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7.
Which chords work with G Mixolydian?
G Mixolydian works over G7, G9, G13, and G major chords. The ♭7 F creates a dominant sound. It also fits over C major and D minor progressions.
How does G Mixolydian differ from G major?
G Mixolydian lowers the seventh degree from F♯ to F. This change gives the scale a dominant, bluesy character. The other six notes remain identical to G major.