A Mixolydian Mode on Bass
The A Mixolydian Mode (A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G) shown across the full 4-string bass fretboard. Tap any note to hear it, or open it in BassMapper to play along with a MIDI file. Free, no account needed.
About the Mixolydian Mode
Mixolydian is a major scale with a flatted 7th: bright but bluesy, the natural home of dominant chords. It's everywhere in rock, funk, blues, and jam-band bass, giving lines a major-key lift with just enough edge to groove.
The fretboard above shows the A Mixolydian Mode in every position at once. Open it in BassMapper and drop in a MIDI file to watch the scale light up on the neck in real time as a song plays.
questions
What notes are in the A Mixolydian Mode?
The A Mixolydian Mode contains A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G.
What does the Mixolydian Mode sound like?
Bright with a bluesy edge: a major sound loosened up by the flatted 7th.
How do I play the Mixolydian Mode on bass?
Lean on the flatted 7th to outline dominant chords. It's the classic choice for grooving over a funky or bluesy major vamp.