ScalesBb Mixolydian
Guitar scale · fretboard map
Bb Mixolydian Scale
The Bb Mixolydian scale is built from the notes Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G, and Ab, also known as the Mixolydian mode. The diagram below maps every one of those notes across the guitar neck, from the open strings up to the 12th fret, with the root Bb highlighted.
The mixolydian scale is a major scale with a flat seventh: bluesy but still bright, the sound of dominant chords and classic rock riffs.
Notes in the Bb Mixolydian scale
Bb1
C2
D3
Eb4
F5
G6
Abb7
Bb Mixolydian scale on the fretboard
root (Bb) other scale notes
Explore this on the interactive fretboard →
The free Fretboard Explorer lets you switch keys and see the CAGED shapes and scale overlays tile the whole neck.
Other scales in Bb
Bb MajorBb Natural MinorBb Major PentatonicBb Minor PentatonicBb BluesBb DorianBb PhrygianBb LydianBb Harmonic Minor
The mixolydian scale in other keys
Frequently asked questions
- What notes are in the Bb Mixolydian scale?
- The Bb Mixolydian scale contains 7 notes: Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G, and Ab. As scale degrees those are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, b7.
- How do you play the Bb Mixolydian scale on guitar?
- Every note above is shown on the fretboard diagram, from the open strings up to the 12th fret, with the root (Bb) highlighted. The pattern is movable: learn the shape once and you can slide it to start on any root. Anchor your playing to the Bb notes so the scale sounds resolved.
- What is the Bb Mixolydian scale used for?
- The mixolydian scale is a major scale with a flat seventh: bluesy but still bright, the sound of dominant chords and classic rock riffs. Once the shape is under your fingers, try improvising over a backing track in Bb and listen for how each note pulls back toward the root.