Explore scales · Ukulele
B mixolydian scale on ukulele
B mixolydian uses B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯, A. Box 1 places roots on string 4 fret 4 and string 1 fret 2.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the B mixolydian scale on ukulele?
B mixolydian in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 10 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 4 and the A string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 2, 4 | G♯, A, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 3, 4 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 4 | F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
B mixolydian in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 9 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the C string at fret 3 up to D♯ on the A string at fret 6. The root falls on the G string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 6 | B, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 4, 6 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5 | G♯, A |
| 1 (A) | 4, 6 | C♯, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
B mixolydian in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 11 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 E string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 8, 9 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 8, 9 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 6, 7, 9 | D♯, E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
B mixolydian in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 10 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the C string at fret 8 up to G♯ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the C string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 9, 11 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 9, 11 | G♯, A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 11 | C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (A) | 9, 11 | F♯, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
B mixolydian is B major with a minor 7th: A replaces A♯. The scale contains a tritone between D♯ and A. It has no leading tone. Compare with B major to hear the lowered seventh.
When to use it
B mixolydian fits B major and B 5th chords. Use it over dominant progressions in E major. The lowered seventh creates a dominant sound that resolves to E. Try it over B major and E 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 B mixolydian?
B mixolydian contains B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯, A. The scale has a major 3rd and a minor 7th. It is B major with a lowered seventh.
Which chords fit B mixolydian?
B mixolydian fits B major and B 5th chords. It also works over E major and E 5th. The ♭7 creates a dominant sound.
How does B mixolydian differ from B major?
B mixolydian lowers the seventh degree from A♯ to A. This removes the leading tone and adds a tritone between D♯ and A. The result is a dominant sound.