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C♯ mixolydian scale on ukulele
C♯ mixolydian uses C♯, D♯, E♯, F♯, G♯, A♯, B. Box 1 places roots on string 3 fret 1 and string 1 fret 4.
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 1 to fret 4, 11 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 C string at fret 1 and the A string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 3, 4 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 3 | C♯, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 2, 4 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 1, 2, 4 | A♯, B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
C♯ mixolydian in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 10 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 6 and the A string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 4, 6 | A♯, B, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 5, 6 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 6 | G♯, A♯ |
| 1 (A) | 4, 6 | C♯, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
C♯ mixolydian in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 9 notes across 4 strings, from E♯ on the C string at fret 5 up to E♯ on the A string at fret 8. The root falls on the G string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 8 | C♯, D♯ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 6, 8 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 6, 7 | A♯, B |
| 1 (A) | 6, 8 | D♯, E♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
C♯ mixolydian in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 11 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 E string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 10, 11 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 10, 11 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 11 | C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (A) | 8, 9, 11 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
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 third string and covers frets 1–4.
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. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
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.