C Mixolydian Scale

The C Mixolydian scale is the 5th mode of the F major scale and has a distinctive major sound characterized by its minor 7th. This combination of a major 3rd with a flat 7th creates a bright yet bluesy quality often heard in rock, blues, country, and modal jazz.

This page covers everything you need to know about the C Mixolydian scale: notes, intervals, theory, and how to play it on the piano.

C Mixolydian Scale Notes

The C Mixolydian scale contains the following notes:

C – D – E – F – G – A – B♭

These notes come directly from the F major parent scale, starting on its 5th degree (C).

C Mixolydian Piano Diagram

This diagram highlights which keys belong to the C Mixolydian scale, which is helpful for visualizing whole steps, half steps, and the overall shape of the scale on the keyboard.

C Mixolydian Scale Formula and Intervals

The interval formula for the Mixolydian scale is:

W – W – H – W – W – H – W

Applied to C, this gives us:

C → D
D → E
E → F
F → G
G → A
A → B♭
B♭ → C

Thus, C Mixolydian is built with the following scale degrees:

Root (C)
Major 2nd (D)
Major 3rd (E)
Perfect 4th (F)
Perfect 5th (G)
Major 6th (A)
Minor 7th (B♭)

This structure gives the Mixolydian mode its characteristic sound, due in large part to the unique juxtaposition of the major 3rd with the minor 7th.

Chords in the Key of C Mixolydian

When stacking thirds on each scale degree of the C Mixolydian scale, the following diatonic triads emerge:

C major (I)
D minor (ii)
E diminished (iii°)
F major (IV)
G minor (v)
A minor (vi)
B♭ major (VII)

Related Scales and Modes

If you enjoy playing in C Mixolydian, you may also like:

C Mixolydian Scale FAQs

How is C Mixolydian different from C major?

C Mixolydian has a minor 7th (B♭), while C major has a major 7th (B).

How is C Mixolydian different from C Dorian?

C Mixolydian has a major 3rd (E), while C Dorian has a minor 3rd (E♭).

What is the parent scale of C Mixolydian?

F major. C Mixolydian uses the same notes as F major, but starts on its 5th degree (C).

Summary: C Mixolydian Scale

Notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, B♭
Mode: 5th mode of F major
Formula: W, W, H, W, W, H, W