B Mixolydian Pentatonic Charango Scale

Charango scale — fretboard diagram

B mixolydian pentatonic scale — 5-string guitar fretboard diagramInteractive fretboard diagram showing the B mixolydian pentatonic scale on 5-string guitar with 17 frets. Notes: E, F#, A, B, D#.EF#ABD#EF#AABD#EF#ABEF#ABD#EF#AD#EF#ABD#EABD#EF#AB1357911121315

B Mixolydian Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals

The B Mixolydian Pentatonic scale is a dominant-flavored five-note scale that emphasizes the relaxed, bluesy side of the Mixolydian mode. On Charango, the notes are B, D#, E, F#, A. 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: B, D#, E, F#, A

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 B Mixolydian Pentatonic on Charango

Begin by locating B on your instrument and play through the 5 notes of the Mixolydian Pentatonic scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.

The B Mixolydian Pentatonic scale contains 2 sharps (D#, F#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.

Practice Routine

Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the B Mixolydian Pentatonic 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.

This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in B. Try a B5 - F#5 - A5 progression.

Charango Tips

Practice the B Mixolydian Pentatonic scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 5 notes before building speed.

The B Mixolydian Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (B, D#, E, F#, A). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Charango with different tunings and fret ranges.

CAGED Positions & Patterns for B Mixolydian Pentatonic

The B 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.

Explore B Mixolydian Pentatonic Further

Explore B Mixolydian Pentatonic in Other Tunings

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