A Mixolydian Guitar Scale — Open G
Guitar scale in Open G tuning — fretboard diagram
A Mixolydian in Open G — 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: Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D)
Also known as: dominant
Diatonic Chords
A7 — Bm7 — C♯m7♭5 — DMaj7 — Em7 — F♯m7 — GMaj7
About Open G Tuning
Open G tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D) produces a G major chord when strummed open, making it the definitive tuning for slide guitar and delta blues. The tuning's natural consonance means that barring across any fret gives you a major chord, which is why it's been the backbone of blues and roots music for over a century.
From Robert Johnson to Keith Richards, Open G has shaped some of the most iconic music ever recorded. Keith Richards famously removes the low 6th string entirely in this tuning, creating his signature five-string sound on songs like 'Start Me Up' and 'Brown Sugar'. For slide players, Open G is essential — it allows clean, singing slide lines across all strings with minimal effort.
Notable artists: Keith Richards, Robert Johnson, Ry Cooder, Joni Mitchell, The Black Crowes
Best for: Slide guitar, delta blues, Keith Richards-style rock riffs, and open-string fingerpicking
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- A Mixolydian in Standard Tuning
- A Mixolydian in Drop D
- A Mixolydian in DADGAD
- A Mixolydian in Baritone (B Standard)
- A Mixolydian in 7-string
- A Mixolydian in 8-string
- A Mixolydian in Drop C
- 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