G# Mixolydian Pentatonic Guitar Scale — DADGAD
Guitar scale in DADGAD tuning — fretboard diagram
G# Mixolydian Pentatonic in DADGAD — Notes and Intervals
The G# Mixolydian Pentatonic scale is a dominant-flavored five-note scale that emphasizes the relaxed, bluesy side of the Mixolydian mode. On Guitar, the notes are G#, C, C#, D#, F#. 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: G#, C, C#, D#, F#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4P, 5P, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 b5
Formula: 4-H-W-WH-W
Number of notes: 5
Tuning: DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-D)
Also known as: indian
About DADGAD Tuning
DADGAD tuning creates an open Dsus4 chord when strummed open, producing a hauntingly beautiful, droning sound that has become synonymous with Celtic folk music and modern acoustic songwriting. The tuning's natural resonance and overtones make even simple fingerpicking patterns sound rich and complex.
Popularized by Davey Graham in the 1960s and later championed by Pierre Bensusan and Jimmy Page, DADGAD has become one of the most beloved alternate tunings for acoustic guitarists. Its suspended quality — neither clearly major nor minor — creates an ethereal, meditative atmosphere that invites exploration. The tuning excels at creating drone-based arrangements where open strings ring against fretted notes.
Notable artists: Pierre Bensusan, Jimmy Page, Andy McKee, Davey Graham, Laurence Juber
Best for: Celtic folk, acoustic songwriting, drone-based fingerpicking, and meditative compositions
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- G# Mixolydian Pentatonic in Standard Tuning
- G# Mixolydian Pentatonic in Drop D
- G# Mixolydian Pentatonic in Open G
- G# Mixolydian Pentatonic in Baritone (B Standard)
- G# Mixolydian Pentatonic in 7-string
- G# Mixolydian Pentatonic in 8-string
- G# Mixolydian Pentatonic in Drop C
- G# Mixolydian Pentatonic in Drop B
- G# Mixolydian Pentatonic in Open D
- G# Mixolydian Pentatonic in Half Step Down
- G# Mixolydian Pentatonic in Open E
- G# Mixolydian Pentatonic in Open A
- G# Mixolydian Pentatonic in Double Drop D
- G# Mixolydian Pentatonic in Open C