Mixolydian Mode – The Fifth Position of the Major Scale

ByDanny Cruz

The Mixolydian Mode is based on the fifth note of the major scale. In the key of G, the 5th note is D. D is a perfect 5th of G, so it sounds very good. This is a very popular mode for many rock players. To play the D Mixolydian Mode, start with the first note at the 6th string 10th fret. Remember, we are still in the key of G.

Keep in mind that we are referring to these shapes as modes top help up remember the name of the shape. Here, we are using these shapes as part of the major scale. However, the Mixolydian mode, like other modes, can stand alone as it’s very own scale that can be used to build chord progressions. The Mixolydian mode is a major sounding scale. If you play this scale, starting in D, over a D major chord playing in the background, you can hear characteristic Mixolydian sound as its own thing and not just as part of a G major progression.

Danny Cruz

Danny Cruz is creative designer and web developer who has been playing music since 1996. It all started with drums. One thing led to another and a lot of time has been productively spent on guitar and bass since. He started SixStringSensei.com in 2005 to document his trajectory on guitar.

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