C# Mixolydian Sharp Second Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramAdvanced
C# Mixolydian Sharp Second Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C# Mixolydian Sharp Second scale introduces a raised second into the Mixolydian framework, creating a built-in major and minor ambiguity that mirrors the heart of blues tonality. On Piano, its notes are C#, E, F, F#, G#, A#, B. It offers guitarists a fresh palette for dominant seventh and ninth chord soloing, bridging blues grit with fusion sophistication. Commonly used in Blues, Fusion, Rock, Jazz. Notable players include Robben Ford, Larry Carlton. Use over dominant 7th and 9th chords. The coexistence of #2 and natural 3rd allows simultaneous major and minor inflections, ideal for blues turnarounds and fusion vamps.
Notes: C#, E, F, F#, G#, A#, B
Intervals: 1P, 2A, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 #2 3 4 5 6 b7
Formula: WH-H-H-W-W-H-W
Number of notes: 7
Musical Character
The #2 (enharmonic b3) coexists with the natural 3rd, giving the scale a built-in major/minor ambiguity reminiscent of the blues. Both the 1st and 4th scale degrees support dominant 7th chords, making it a rich source for blues-rock composition.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Blues, Fusion, Rock, Jazz
Notable players: Robben Ford, Larry Carlton
How to Use the C# Mixolydian Sharp Second Scale
Use over dominant 7th and 9th chords. The coexistence of #2 and natural 3rd allows simultaneous major and minor inflections, ideal for blues turnarounds and fusion vamps.
Origin & Background
A synthetic Mixolydian variant that raises the 2nd degree by a half step, creating an augmented 2nd from the root. The resulting sound bridges blues tonality with dominant harmony, offering a fresh palette for guitarists who have exhausted standard blues scale vocabulary.
How to Play C# Mixolydian Sharp Second on Piano
On piano, the C# Mixolydian Sharp Second 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 C# Mixolydian Sharp Second scale contains 4 sharps (C#, F#, G#, A#). Its relative minor is A# minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Practice the C# Mixolydian Sharp Second scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 100 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 7 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on C# to let the characteristic intervals of the Mixolydian Sharp Second scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in fusion contexts.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the C# Mixolydian Sharp Second 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 bluesy quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The C# Mixolydian Sharp Second scale contains 7 notes (C#, E, F, F#, G#, A#, B). 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.