F# Mixolydian Pentatonic Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
F# Mixolydian Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F# 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 F#, A#, B, C#, E. 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: F#, A#, B, C#, E
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 F# Mixolydian Pentatonic on Piano
On piano, the F# Mixolydian Pentatonic scale uses 3 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 Pentatonic scale contains 3 sharps (F#, A#, C#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the F# Mixolydian Pentatonic 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.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in F#. Try a F#5 - C#5 - E5 progression.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the F# 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 F# Mixolydian Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (F#, A#, B, C#, E). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.