E♭ Mixolydian scale
The E♭ Mixolydian scale is a 7-note mixolydian scale built on the root E♭. Its notes are E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭, C and D♭. 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 E♭ 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 E♭, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key — making it especially useful in genres and registers where E♭ is a comfortable tonal centre.
Formula & step pattern
The E♭ 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.
E♭ Mixolydian on the piano
E♭ Mixolydian on the guitar
E♭ Mixolydian on the staff
Hear the E♭ Mixolydian scale
Notes of the E♭ Mixolydian scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | E♭(Eb) |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | F |
| 3 | 3M | 4 | G |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | A♭(Ab) |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | B♭(Bb) |
| 6 | 6M | 9 | C |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | D♭(Db) |
Diatonic chords of E♭ 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 E♭ Mixolydian scale
The diatonic chords of E♭ Mixolydian are: I = E♭, ii = Fm, iii° = G°, IV = A♭, v = B♭m, vi = Cm, VII = D♭. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in E♭ 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
E♭ 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 E♭ Mixolydian
Once you are comfortable with E♭ Mixolydian, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with E♭ Mixolydian and are a natural next step in your study.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the E♭ Mixolydian scale?
What is the formula for the E♭ Mixolydian scale?
Is E♭ Mixolydian a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the E♭ Mixolydian scale?
Which genres use E♭ Mixolydian?
How do I practise the E♭ Mixolydian scale?
Take E♭ Mixolydian into your music
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