Mixolydian Mode

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The fifth mode of the major scale is called the mixolydian mode. It is similar to the major scale except that the seventh degree is minor rather than major. The mixolydian mode generates a dominant seventh chord:

[EXAMPLE]

Therefore, the mixolydian mode is a natural choice when improvising over a dominant seventh chord:

[EXAMPLE]

Note that, like the major scale over a major chord, the fourth of the mixolydian mode is somewhat dissonant against a dominant seventh chord:

[EXAMPLE]

However, the fourth is not dissonant at all in a sus chord:

[EXAMPLE]

Copyright 2000 Outside Shore Music
Authored by Marc Sabatella

Mixolydian Mode