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