C# Mixolydian B6 Cavaquinho Scale
Cavaquinho scale — fretboard diagram
C# Mixolydian B6 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C# Mixolydian B6 scale is a melancholic dominant scale used when a song is in a major key but the dominant chord needs to resolve into a minor key. On Cavaquinho, the notes are C#, D#, F, F#, G#, A, B. It provides a bridge between the bright major and the sad minor worlds, perfect for emotional transitions. Commonly used in Jazz, Film Scores, Classical, Melodic Metal. Notable players include Hans Zimmer, Ennio Morricone. Use over dominant 7th chords that resolve to minor (V7 → im). The scale that bridges major happiness and minor sadness.
Notes: C#, D#, F, F#, G#, A, B
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: W-W-H-W-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: melodic minor fifth mode, hindu
How to Play C# Mixolydian B6 on Cavaquinho
Begin by locating C# on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Mixolydian B6 scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The C# Mixolydian B6 scale contains 4 sharps (C#, D#, F#, G#). Its relative minor is A minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the C# Mixolydian B6 scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on C# to let the characteristic intervals of the Mixolydian B6 scale come through clearly.
Cavaquinho Tips
Practice the C# Mixolydian B6 scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed.
The C# Mixolydian B6 scale contains 7 notes (C#, D#, F, F#, G#, A, B). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Cavaquinho with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C# Mixolydian B6
The C# Mixolydian B6 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 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore C# Mixolydian B6 Further
- Browse chord progressions
- C# Mixolydian B6 on Guitar
- C# Mixolydian B6 on Ukulele
- C# Mixolydian B6 on Bass
- C# Mixolydian B6 on Piano