B Mixolydian B6 Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagram
B Mixolydian B6 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B 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 Guitar, the notes are B, C#, D#, E, F#, G, A. 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: B, C#, D#, E, F#, G, A
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 B Mixolydian B6 on Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 7 on the 6th (low E) to find your B root note. Use a three-notes-per-string fingering to cover the full scale in one position, or learn the CAGED shapes to navigate the entire fretboard. An alternative starting point is 2nd fret on the A string.
The B Mixolydian B6 scale contains 3 sharps (C#, D#, F#). Its relative minor is G minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Practice the B Mixolydian B6 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 7 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on B to let the characteristic intervals of the Mixolydian B6 scale come through clearly.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, try playing the B Mixolydian B6 scale using legato technique (hammer-ons and pull-offs) to develop a smooth, connected sound. This is particularly effective for longer scale runs.
The B Mixolydian B6 scale contains 7 notes (B, C#, D#, E, F#, G, A). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for B Mixolydian B6
The B 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 B Mixolydian B6 Further
- Harmonize the B Mixolydian B6 scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- B Mixolydian B6 on Ukulele
- B Mixolydian B6 on Bass
- B Mixolydian B6 on Piano
Explore B Mixolydian B6 in Other Tunings
- B Mixolydian B6 in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- B Mixolydian B6 in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- B Mixolydian B6 in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- B Mixolydian B6 in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- B Mixolydian B6 in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- B Mixolydian B6 in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- B Mixolydian B6 in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- B Mixolydian B6 in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- B Mixolydian B6 in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- B Mixolydian B6 in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- B Mixolydian B6 in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- B Mixolydian B6 in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- B Mixolydian B6 in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- B Mixolydian B6 in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)