B Mixolydian Piano Scale
Piano scale 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 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
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
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.
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.
The B Mixolydian scale contains 7 notes (B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.