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