B Mixolydian Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramBeginner
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 Piano, 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
Musical Character
The b7 softens the major scale's resolution, creating a 'relaxed major' that never quite lands. This is the sound of rock and roll — major but with attitude.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Blues, Rock, Country, Folk, Funk
Notable players: Jimi Hendrix, The Allman Brothers, AC/DC, Stevie Ray Vaughan
How to Use the B Mixolydian Scale
Use over dominant 7th chords (7, 9, 13). The primary scale for blues-rock soloing over non-resolving dominant chords.
Origin & Background
Named after the ancient Mixolydians. The mode behind virtually all classic rock and blues guitar. Respighi composed his Concerto in Modo Misolidio (1925) as an extensive classical treatment of this mode. The Beatles' 'Norwegian Wood' uses Mixolydian verses set against Dorian choruses.
How to Play B Mixolydian on Piano
On piano, the B Mixolydian scale uses 4 black keys. With several black keys involved, let the thumb naturally fall on white keys where possible. Practice hands separately at first, paying attention to smooth thumb-under transitions.
The B Mixolydian scale contains 4 sharps (C#, D#, F#, G#). Its relative minor is G# minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Practice the B Mixolydian scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 60 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. This scale is especially effective in rock contexts.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the B Mixolydian scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry. Aim for a relaxed quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Mixolydian is the 5th mode of the Major scale. View B Major scale
The B Mixolydian scale contains 7 notes (B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Piano. Practice ascending and descending from the root note to learn the sound of this scale.