Understanding Mixolydian

Any music theory book will tell you that the Mixolydian Mode is the natural mode beginning on the fifth degree of the major scale. It is also made by lowering the seventh note of a major scale a half-step.

When you ask a student what the Mixolydian scale is, they usually tell you it is the scale where you flat the 7th. Well, this isn't exactly correct. Definitely that is the difference between a major scale and a Mixolydian scale.

Think of the Mixolydian scale as the scale within a major scale that starts on the fifth degree of that scale. Now, the key signature for G Mixolydian has no sharps and no flats (key of C). So, you are not having sharps and flats but depending on simply knowing the notes in each major scale.

To distinguish the natural modes compared to the major scale, I will map out a chart for you to use. First, we have the natural modes listed in the order that you have in reassigning the tonic to each of the following notes of the major scale.

1. Ionian - are all natural keys.

2. Dorian - b3, b7

3. Phrygian - b2, b3, b6, b7

4. Lydian - #4

5. Mixolydian - b7

6. Aeolian - b3, b6, b7

7. Locrian - b2, b3, b5, b6, b7

Here are the Modes from the brightest to the darkest, meaning the order of the most raised notes to the most lowered notes:

4. Lydian #4

1. Ionian all natural (natural 4)

5. Mixolydian b7

2. Dorian b3, b7

6. Aeolian b3, b6, b7

3. Phrygian b2, b3, b6, b7

7. Locrian b2, b3, b5, b6, b7

It takes a bit of practice and ear training to get comfortable with improvising. Many people use modes to determine what notes to play over certain chords. When you use the blues scale of the key you are in, it is not usually used over the I chord but over the IV or V chord. This means in the key of C, you would play the C blues scale against the F7 or the G7.

If you are a beginner, sit at the piano and experience improvising by hitting any black key while someone else, like a teacher vamps on two chords of a song. These five notes are the minor pentatonic scale and when you add the A natural, it changes to the blues scale.

I am a huge Beatles fan and when I think of Mixolydian melodies, the popular songs like Norwegian Wood and Birthday come to mind. It is true, understanding modes will make you a better musician.

Diana Rogers is the author of free monthly newsletters. Visit, http://ladydpiano.com/

View the original article here