G Mixolydian Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
G Mixolydian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G 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 G, A, B, C, D, E, F. 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 G Mixolydian are G7, Am7, Bm7b5, CMaj7, Dm7, Em7, FMaj7. 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: G, A, B, C, D, E, F
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
G7 — Am7 — Bm7♭5 — CMaj7 — Dm7 — Em7 — FMaj7
How to Play G Mixolydian on Piano
On piano, the G Mixolydian scale uses 0 black keys. Playing entirely on white keys, this is one of the most physically comfortable scales to learn. Use the standard 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5 fingering for the right hand.
The G Mixolydian scale uses no sharps or flats, consisting entirely of natural notes. Its relative minor is E minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the G 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 G Mixolydian scale: G7 - CMaj7 - Dm7 - G7 (I-IV-V-I) or G7 - Am7 - CMaj7 - Dm7 for a more stepwise movement.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the G Mixolydian scale in the left hand as blocked intervals (thirds or sixths) while the right hand plays the melody. This develops your harmonic ear and comping skills simultaneously.
The G Mixolydian scale contains 7 notes (G, A, B, C, D, E, F). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.