Mixolydian

The mixolydian mode is the 5th mode of the major scale. 

This is also known as the dominant scale because it contains the b7 and is built off of the dominant chord (V7). 

The intervals of the mixolydian scale are as follows:

1   2   3   4   5   6   b7

This scale is extremely useful in just about any musical environment. It is especially prominent in blues though, because blues progressions typically contain only dominant chords. We will get into the blues in depth later on, but it is important to state right now that this mode is money over V7 chords. 

The available 7th chords in the mixolydian mode are:

I7   IImi7   III Mi7(b5)   IV ma7   Vmi7   VI mi7   bVII ma7

Common mixolydian progressions include:

• Ima - bVII ma
• Ima - bVII ma - IV ma
• I7 - Vmi7

Attached are the five patterns of the mixolydian scale. Practice them up and down the neck in a variety of keys. I have also included backing tracks to the above progressions. 

Start with just the major pentatonic scale. Add in just the b7. Then play the whole mixolydian scale. Again, always listen to the new scale degree over the chords. Sell the change. Really try to sound mixolydian.

Jam Tracks:

1. F mixolydian - F major vamp

2.  G mixolydian - Ima - bVIIma

3.  Bb mixolydian - Ima  bVII ma - IVma

4.  C mixolydian - I7 - Vmi