Modes

G Mixolydian Mode on Piano

Think G major with a bluesy, unresolved edge — that is G Mixolydian. The single change from G major is lowering F# to F natural, and that one flat seventh gives the scale a sound that turns up often in rock, funk, and country. On piano, it is the fifth mode of C major, played on the white keys starting from G.

Notes of the G Mixolydian Scale

Degree	Note	Interval from root
1	G	Root
2	A	Major 2nd
3	B	Major 3rd
4	C	Perfect 4th
5	D	Perfect 5th
6	E	Major 6th
7	F	Minor 7th
8	G	Octave

FormulaW-W-H-W-W-H-WW · W · H · W · W · H · W

Major with a lowered 7th — the defining note is the flat 7 (F instead of F#).

W = whole step, H = half step.

G Mixolydian on the Staff

One octave ascending in treble clef with the key signature of C major (no sharps, no flats).

Fingering

A standard one-octave fingering for an all-white-key scale starting on G.

Right hand

Left hand

Numbers indicate fingers: 1 = thumb, 2 = index, 3 = middle, 4 = ring, 5 = little. Both rows are shown in ascending order (low note to high note). Note the left hand starts on the pinky (5) at the lowest note and crosses the middle finger over the thumb to continue upward — that is why the left-hand numbers count down before cycling again.

Diatonic Chords in G Mixolydian

The seven triads built on each scale degree. They use only the notes of this scale; real pieces often add chords with altered notes as well.

IG major

iiA minor

iii°B diminished

IVC major

vD minor

viE minor

VIIF major

Where You Hear This Scale

Mixolydian is the sound of the dominant 7th chord stretched into a whole scale. You hear it in the verse of the Beatles' Norwegian Wood (there it is E Mixolydian) and in many Irish and Scottish fiddle tunes. F lies a whole step below G, rather than the half step from F# in G major, so the pull up to G is gentler. G can still sound like home.

Train Your Ear to Recognize This Scale

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