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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:

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

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:

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