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A Mixolydian Scale: Degrees, Notes, Intervals, and Practical Use

A Mixolydian — dominant major from “A” with bluesy flavor and natural pull to tonic. Good for rock and groovy lines. Emphasize b7, add 9/13 in upper voices.

To visually explore a scale, use the interactive circle of fifths — it shows the relationships between notes, chords, and degrees, helping you understand its structure. Next to the circle, you’ll find the guitar fretboard, where all notes of the selected mode are displayed in the same colors as on the circle. Below, you can see the chords that belong to this scale — with degree labels and chord shape thumbnails that you can open and listen to. You can change the guitar tuning, fretboard orientation, and the display mode for notes or intervals. Detailed instructions on how to use the tool are available on the main Circle of Fifths page — check it out to make the most of all its features.

A Mixolydian · Bluesy / Dominant

bVIIIVIviiviiii°CGDAEBGbDbAbEbBbFMMMmmmdim
0123456EGbGABDbDEGABDbDEGbGABDbDEGbGAEBGDAE
I
A
01234503210EBGDAE
ii
Bm
01234520401EBGDAE
iii
Dbdim
01234501043EBGDAE
IV
D
0123452310EBGDAE
v
Em
012345000210EBGDAE
vi
Gbm
012345111431EBGDAE
bVII
G
012345300012EBGDAE

Formula and Intervals of the A Mixolydian Scale

Degree formula: 1 — 2 — 3 — 4 — 5 — 6 — b7. Interval pattern between adjacent degrees: 2 — 2 — 1 — 2 — 2 — 1 — 2. The scale includes the following notes:

  • A — tonic, the main anchor of the mode.

  • B — gentle melodic extension and natural upward step.

  • Db — major third, clear support above the tonic.

  • D — quartal spice, best separated from 3 by voice leading.

  • E — perfect fifth, stabilizing anchor of the mode.

  • Gb — warm upper shade, pairs well with 9.

  • G — dominant pull toward tonic, typical of Mixolydian.

Together these degrees form the core of the A Mixolydian mode and define its musical character.

Chords within the A Mixolydian Scale

Below are the basic diatonic chords that naturally occur on each degree. Use them as a palette for your progressions, keep the bass stable, and highlight color tones in the upper voice.

  • A — 1

  • Bm — 2

  • Dbdim — 3

  • D — 4

  • Em — 5

  • Gbm — 6

  • G — b7

This set forms a solid modal framework: combine triads and seventh chords, add 9/11/13 for color, and separate 3rds from 11ths for cleaner harmony.

Alternative Names of the A Mixolydian Scale

This mode may appear under other names:

  • A Mixolydian Major

  • A Dominant Major

All variations point to the same modal structure.

How to Use the A Mixolydian Scale

b7 is the key color of the dominant. Try I-bVII-IV and V-IV-I, add 9/13 in the top voice. Simplify the bass when possible.

Conclusion

A Mixolydian is a recognizable mode with clear logic of use. Study the formula and intervals, keep color tones in the top voice, build diatonic chords, and try integrating the mode into your own progressions — this way you’ll develop a confident and expressive sound faster.