D# Mixolydian Pentatonic Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
D# Mixolydian Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D# Mixolydian Pentatonic scale is a dominant-flavored five-note scale that emphasizes the relaxed, bluesy side of the Mixolydian mode. On Piano, the notes are D#, G, G#, A#, C#. It is an excellent choice for soloing over dominant chords when you want to maintain the simplicity and flow of a pentatonic structure. Commonly used in Blues, Rock, Country, Funk. Notable players include Jimi Hendrix, Dickey Betts, Derek Trucks. Use over dominant 7th chords (7, 9, 13). Simpler than full Mixolydian but captures the essential dominant color.
Notes: D#, G, G#, A#, C#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4P, 5P, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 b5
Formula: 4-H-W-WH-W
Number of notes: 5
Also known as: indian
How to Play D# Mixolydian Pentatonic on Piano
On piano, the D# Mixolydian Pentatonic 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 D# Mixolydian Pentatonic scale contains 4 sharps (D#, G#, A#, C#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the D# Mixolydian Pentatonic 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 5 notes of the scale.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in D#. Try a D#5 - A#5 - C#5 progression.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the D# Mixolydian Pentatonic 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 Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (D#, G, G#, A#, C#). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.