Explore scales · Ukulele
C mixolydian scale on ukulele
C mixolydian uses C, D, E, F, G, A, B♭. Box 1 places roots on string 4 fret 5 and string 1 fret 3.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the C mixolydian scale on ukulele?
C mixolydian in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 11 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the C string at fret 0 and the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 2, 3 | G, A, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 1, 3 | A, B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
C mixolydian in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 10 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. The root falls on the G string at fret 5 and the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 3, 5 | A, B♭, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4, 5 | D, E, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
C mixolydian in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 9 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 G string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 7 | E, F, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 6 | A, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
C mixolydian in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 notes across 4 strings, from G on the C string at fret 7 up to G on the A string at fret 10. The root falls on the E string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9, 10 | G, A, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
C mixolydian in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 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 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 10, 12 | E, F, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 10, 12 | A, B♭, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
C mixolydian is C major with a minor 7th: B♭ replaces B. The scale contains a tritone between E and B♭. It has no leading tone. Compare with C major to hear the lowered seventh.
When to use it
C mixolydian fits C major and C 5th chords. Use it over dominant progressions in F major. The lowered seventh creates a dominant sound that resolves to F. Try it over C major and F major.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It keeps the root on the low string and covers frets 0–3.
Common questions
What notes are in C mixolydian?
C mixolydian contains C, D, E, F, G, A, B♭. The scale has a major 3rd and a minor 7th. It is C major with a lowered seventh.
Which chords fit C mixolydian?
C mixolydian fits C major and C 5th chords. It also works over F major and F 5th. The ♭7 creates a dominant sound.
How does C mixolydian differ from C major?
C mixolydian lowers the seventh degree from B to B♭. This removes the leading tone and adds a tritone between E and B♭. The result is a dominant sound.