D Mixolydian B6 Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
D Mixolydian B6 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D Mixolydian B6 scale is a melancholic dominant scale used when a song is in a major key but the dominant chord needs to resolve into a minor key. On Piano, the notes are D, E, F#, G, A, Bb, C. It provides a bridge between the bright major and the sad minor worlds, perfect for emotional transitions. Commonly used in Jazz, Film Scores, Classical, Melodic Metal. Notable players include Hans Zimmer, Ennio Morricone. Use over dominant 7th chords that resolve to minor (V7 → im). The scale that bridges major happiness and minor sadness.
Notes: D, E, F#, G, A, Bb, C
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: W-W-H-W-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: melodic minor fifth mode, hindu
How to Play D Mixolydian B6 on Piano
On piano, the D Mixolydian B6 scale uses 2 black keys. Start with your thumb on D and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The D Mixolydian B6 scale contains both sharps and flats (1 sharp, 1 flat), which is common in altered and exotic scales. Its relative minor is Bb minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Practice the D Mixolydian B6 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.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on D to let the characteristic intervals of the Mixolydian B6 scale come through clearly.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the D Mixolydian B6 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 D Mixolydian B6 scale contains 7 notes (D, E, F#, G, A, Bb, C). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.