B Mixolydian Mandolin Scale
Mandolin scale — fretboard diagram
B Mixolydian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Mixolydian scale is the fifth mode of the major scale and the heart of rock and roll and blues. On Mandolin, it contains the notes B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A. It combines the stability of a major sound with a more relaxed, folk-like ending, perfectly suited for soloing over dominant seventh chords and providing a bluesy, soulful vibe to major-key songs. The diatonic chords of B Mixolydian are B7, C#m7, D#m7b5, EMaj7, F#m7, G#m7, AMaj7. Commonly used in Blues, Rock, Country, Folk, Funk. Notable players include Jimi Hendrix, The Allman Brothers, AC/DC, Stevie Ray Vaughan. Use over dominant 7th chords (7, 9, 13). The primary scale for blues-rock soloing over non-resolving dominant chords.
Notes: B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7
Formula: W-W-H-W-W-H-W
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: dominant
Diatonic Chords
B7 — C♯m7 — D♯m7♭5 — EMaj7 — F♯m7 — G♯m7 — AMaj7
How to Play B Mixolydian on Mandolin
Begin by locating B on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Mixolydian scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The B Mixolydian scale contains 4 sharps (C#, D#, F#, G#). Its relative minor is G# minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Practice the B Mixolydian 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.
Try these progressions with the B Mixolydian scale: B7 - EMaj7 - F#m7 - B7 (I-IV-V-I) or B7 - C#m7 - EMaj7 - F#m7 for a more stepwise movement.
Mandolin Tips
Practice the B Mixolydian scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed.
The B Mixolydian scale contains 7 notes (B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Mandolin with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for B Mixolydian
The B Mixolydian 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 Further
- Browse chord progressions
- B Mixolydian on Guitar
- B Mixolydian on Ukulele
- B Mixolydian on Bass
- B Mixolydian on Piano