A Mixolydian Guitar Scale — Drop C

A Mixolydian in Drop C — Notes and Intervals

The A Mixolydian scale is the fifth mode of the major scale and the heart of rock and roll and blues. On Guitar, it contains the notes A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G. 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 A Mixolydian are A7, Bm7, C#m7b5, DMaj7, Em7, F#m7, GMaj7. 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: A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G

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

Tuning: Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)

Also known as: dominant

Diatonic Chords

A7 — Bm7 — C♯m7♭5 — DMaj7 — Em7 — F♯m7 — GMaj7

About Drop C Tuning

Drop C tuning (C-G-C-F-A-D) drops every string one whole step below Drop D, delivering a massive, brutal low-end that has defined the sound of modern metalcore, post-hardcore, and nu-metal. The low C string provides earth-shaking power chords with a single finger while maintaining familiar Drop D shapes — just two frets lower.

From System of a Down's iconic riffs to Killswitch Engage's crushing breakdowns, Drop C has become the standard tuning for heavy music that needs to sound bigger than standard Drop D. It bridges the gap between standard guitar territory and the extended range of 7-string guitars, making it accessible to players who want heavier tones without buying a new instrument.

Notable artists: System of a Down, Killswitch Engage, Bullet for My Valentine, As I Lay Dying, August Burns Red

Best for: Modern metalcore breakdowns, heavy power chord riffs, nu-metal grooves, and aggressive rhythm playing

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

• A Mixolydian in Standard Tuning
• A Mixolydian in Drop D
• A Mixolydian in DADGAD
• A Mixolydian in Open G
• A Mixolydian in Baritone (B Standard)
• A Mixolydian in 7-string
• A Mixolydian in 8-string
• A Mixolydian in Drop B
• A Mixolydian in Open D
• A Mixolydian in Half Step Down
• A Mixolydian in Open E
• A Mixolydian in Open A
• A Mixolydian in Double Drop D
• A Mixolydian in Open C

← All Guitar scales in Drop C tuning