Theory
Dec 2025
Theory
Understanding the Mixolydian Scale
is a color variation of the major scale
Key Takeaways
- Mixolydian is a color variation of the major scale
- Take the major scale and lower the 7th by a half step (B becomes Bb in C)
- The flat 7 creates a darker sound than the major scale
- Great for improvising with the flat 7 to root movement
Transcription
This lesson is for folks who already know the major scale and are starting to get into the modes and modal colors. Today we're doing Mixolydian, which I think of as another color of a major scale.
Let's start with a drone in C. On top of that drone, I'll play the straight up C major scale. Now let's make this Mixolydian.
Take the seventh scale degree (B) and move it down a half step to B flat. That flat seven makes this Mixolydian.
The major scale is a bit brighter. The Mixolydian scale is a bit darker with that flat seven.
Once you start improvising with the scale, you can really make use of the sound of the flat seven and the root.
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