F Mixolydian Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
F Mixolydian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F 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 F, G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb. 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 F Mixolydian are F7, Gm7, Am7b5, BbMaj7, Cm7, Dm7, EbMaj7. 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: F, G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb
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
F7 — Gm7 — Am7♭5 — B♭Maj7 — Cm7 — Dm7 — E♭Maj7
How to Play F Mixolydian on Piano
On piano, the F Mixolydian scale uses 2 black keys. Start with your thumb on F and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The F Mixolydian scale contains 2 flats (Bb, Eb). Its relative minor is D minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the F Mixolydian scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Try these progressions with the F Mixolydian scale: F7 - BbMaj7 - Cm7 - F7 (I-IV-V-I) or F7 - Gm7 - BbMaj7 - Cm7 for a more stepwise movement.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the F 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 F Mixolydian scale contains 7 notes (F, G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.