C Mixolydian Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
C Mixolydian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C 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 C, D, E, F, G, A, Bb. 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 C Mixolydian are C7, Dm7, Em7b5, FMaj7, Gm7, Am7, BbMaj7. 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: C, D, E, F, G, A, Bb
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
C7 — Dm7 — Em7♭5 — FMaj7 — Gm7 — Am7 — B♭Maj7
How to Play C Mixolydian on Piano
On piano, the C Mixolydian scale uses 1 black key. Start with your thumb on C and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The C Mixolydian scale contains 1 flat (Bb). Its relative minor is A minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Practice the C 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 C Mixolydian scale: C7 - FMaj7 - Gm7 - C7 (I-IV-V-I) or C7 - Dm7 - FMaj7 - Gm7 for a more stepwise movement.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the C Mixolydian scale in the left hand as blocked intervals (thirds or sixths) while the right hand plays the melody. This develops your harmonic ear and comping skills simultaneously.
The C Mixolydian scale contains 7 notes (C, D, E, F, G, A, Bb). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.