D# Mixolydian Pentatonic Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
D# Mixolydian Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D# Mixolydian Pentatonic scale is a dominant-flavored five-note scale that emphasizes the relaxed, bluesy side of the Mixolydian mode. On Bass, the notes are D#, G, G#, A#, C#. It is an excellent choice for soloing over dominant chords when you want to maintain the simplicity and flow of a pentatonic structure. Commonly used in Blues, Rock, Country, Funk. Notable players include Jimi Hendrix, Dickey Betts, Derek Trucks. Use over dominant 7th chords (7, 9, 13). Simpler than full Mixolydian but captures the essential dominant color.
Notes: D#, G, G#, A#, C#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4P, 5P, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 b5
Formula: 4-H-W-WH-W
Number of notes: 5
Also known as: indian
How to Play D# Mixolydian Pentatonic on Bass
On bass, locate D# on the A string at fret 6. This 5-note scale can be played across two strings without shifting, making it ideal for groove-based lines.
The D# Mixolydian Pentatonic scale contains 4 sharps (D#, G#, A#, C#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the D# Mixolydian Pentatonic scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 5 notes of the scale.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in D#. Try a D#5 - A#5 - C#5 progression.
Bass Tips
On bass, use the D# Mixolydian Pentatonic scale to build walking bass lines by targeting chord tones on strong beats and using scale tones as approach notes. This is the foundation of functional bass playing.
The D# Mixolydian Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (D#, G, G#, A#, C#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for D# Mixolydian Pentatonic
The D# Mixolydian Pentatonic scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 5-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.