Explore scales · Ukulele
A mixolydian scale on ukulele
A mixolydian uses A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G. Box 1 places roots on string 4 fret 2 and string 2 fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the A mixolydian scale on ukulele?
A mixolydian in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 9 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the C string at fret 1 up to C♯ on the A string at fret 4. The root falls on the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2, 4 | C♯, D, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3 | F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
A mixolydian in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 11 notes across 4 strings, from E on the C string at fret 4 up to E on the A string at fret 7. The root falls on the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 6, 7 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6, 7 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
A mixolydian in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 10 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the C string at fret 6 up to F♯ on the A string at fret 9. The root falls on the C string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 7, 9 | C♯, D, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7, 9 | F♯, G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
A mixolydian in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 11 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the C string at fret 9 and the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 11, 12 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11 | A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
Why it sounds like that
A mixolydian is A major with a minor 7th: G replaces G♯. The scale contains a tritone between C♯ and G. It has no leading tone. Compare with A major to hear the lowered seventh.
When to use it
A mixolydian fits A major and A 5th chords. Use it over dominant progressions in D major. The lowered seventh creates a dominant sound that resolves to D. Try it over A major and D major.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It keeps the root on the low string and covers frets 1–4.
Common questions
What notes are in A mixolydian?
A mixolydian contains A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G. The scale has a major 3rd and a minor 7th. It is A major with a lowered seventh.
Which chords fit A mixolydian?
A mixolydian fits A major and A 5th chords. It also works over D major and D 5th. The ♭7 creates a dominant sound.
How does A mixolydian differ from A major?
A mixolydian lowers the seventh degree from G♯ to G. This removes the leading tone and adds a tritone between C♯ and G. The result is a dominant sound.