ScalesC Mixolydian
Guitar scale · fretboard map
C Mixolydian Scale
The C Mixolydian scale is built from the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and Bb, 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 C 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 C Mixolydian scale
C1
D2
E3
F4
G5
A6
Bbb7
C Mixolydian scale on the fretboard
root (C) 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 C
C MajorC Natural MinorC Major PentatonicC Minor PentatonicC BluesC DorianC PhrygianC LydianC Harmonic Minor
The mixolydian scale in other keys
Frequently asked questions
- What notes are in the C Mixolydian scale?
- The C Mixolydian scale contains 7 notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, and Bb. As scale degrees those are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, b7.
- How do you play the C 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 (C) highlighted. The pattern is movable: learn the shape once and you can slide it to start on any root. Anchor your playing to the C notes so the scale sounds resolved.
- What is the C 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 C and listen for how each note pulls back toward the root.