D Mixolydian scale
The D Mixolydian scale is a 7-note mixolydian scale built on the root D. Its notes are D, E, F♯, G, A, B and C. Major scale with a flat seventh — the dominant sound of blues and rock. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make D Mixolydian a powerful tool for improvising and composing.
Mixolydian is the sound of blues-rock, country, Celtic music and a huge slice of classic rock. The flat seventh adds a dominant, swaggering character. Built on the root D, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key — making it especially useful in genres and registers where D is a comfortable tonal centre.
Formula & step pattern
The D Mixolydian scale follows a major scale with a flat seventh degree (W-W-H-W-W-H-W). Step pattern: W - W - H - W - W - H - W. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2M · 3M · 4P · 5P · 6M · 7m. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
D Mixolydian on the piano
D Mixolydian on the guitar
D Mixolydian on the staff
Hear the D Mixolydian scale
Notes of the D Mixolydian scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | D |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | E |
| 3 | 3M | 4 | F♯(F#) |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | G |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | A |
| 6 | 6M | 9 | B |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | C |
Diatonic chords of D Mixolydian
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
How to use the D Mixolydian scale
The diatonic chords of D Mixolydian are: I = D, ii = Em, iii° = F♯°, IV = G, v = Am, vi = Bm, VII = C. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in D Mixolydian. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Mixolydian is the sound of blues-rock, country, Celtic music and a huge slice of classic rock. The flat seventh adds a dominant, swaggering character.
Practice tips
Improvise over a major chord using the flat seventh of mixolydian — the result instantly sounds bluesy or country-flavoured.
Famous songs in this key
D Mixolydian appears throughout mixolydian is the sound of blues-rock, country, celtic music and a huge slice of classic rock. the flat seventh adds a dominant, swaggering character. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Scales related to D Mixolydian
Once you are comfortable with D Mixolydian, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with D Mixolydian and are a natural next step in your study.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the D Mixolydian scale?
What is the formula for the D Mixolydian scale?
Is D Mixolydian a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the D Mixolydian scale?
Which genres use D Mixolydian?
How do I practise the D Mixolydian scale?
Take D Mixolydian into your music
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