E Mixolydian Pentatonic Guitar Scale

Guitar scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate

E mixolydian pentatonic scale — 6-string guitar fretboard diagramInteractive fretboard diagram showing the E mixolydian pentatonic scale on 6-string guitar with 22 frets. Notes: E, G#, A, B, D.EG#ABDEG#ABDBDEG#ABDEG#AG#ABDEG#ABDEDEG#ABDEG#ABABDEG#ABDEEG#ABDEG#ABD1357911121315171921

What chords fit over E Mixolydian Pentatonic?

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E Mixolydian Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals

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

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

Musical Character

BluesyRelaxedDominantEarthy

Emphasizes the b7 characteristic of the Mixolydian mode within a pentatonic framework, ideal for quick dominant-flavored runs.

Genres & Notable Artists

Genres: Blues, Rock, Country, Funk

Notable players: Jimi Hendrix, Dickey Betts, Derek Trucks

How to Use the E Mixolydian Pentatonic Scale

Use over dominant 7th chords (7, 9, 13). Simpler than full Mixolydian but captures the essential dominant color.

Origin & Background

Derived from the Mixolydian mode for pentatonic-based players who want a dominant sound.

How to Play E Mixolydian Pentatonic on Guitar

Start the E Mixolydian Pentatonic scale in open position, taking advantage of the open E string. With only 5 notes, this scale fits comfortably in a two-notes-per-string pattern across all six strings. Focus on learning a single box shape first before connecting positions.

The E Mixolydian Pentatonic scale contains 1 sharp (G#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.

Practice Routine

Practice the E 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 E. Try a E5 - B5 - D5 progression. This scale is especially effective in blues contexts.

Guitar Tips

On guitar, try playing the E Mixolydian Pentatonic scale using legato technique (hammer-ons and pull-offs) to develop a smooth, connected sound. This is particularly effective for pentatonic scale runs. Aim for a bluesy quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.

Related Scales

Mixolydian Pentatonic is the Five-note Mixolydian subset. View E Mixolydian scale

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

CAGED Positions & Patterns for E Mixolydian Pentatonic

The E 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 E Mixolydian Pentatonic Further

Explore E Mixolydian Pentatonic in Other Tunings

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