D Mixolydian Scale
The D Mixolydian scale is the 5th mode of the G 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 D Mixolydian scale: notes, intervals, theory, and how to play it on the piano.
D Mixolydian Scale Notes
The D Mixolydian scale contains the following notes:
D – E – F♯ – G – A – B – CThese notes come directly from the G major parent scale, starting on its 5th degree (D).
D Mixolydian Piano Diagram
This diagram highlights which keys belong to the D Mixolydian scale, which is helpful for visualizing whole steps, half steps, and the overall shape of the scale on the keyboard.
D Mixolydian Scale Formula and Intervals
The interval formula for the Mixolydian scale is:
W – W – H – W – W – H – WApplied to D, this gives us:
- D → E
- E → F♯
- F♯ → G
- G → A
- A → B
- B → C
- C → D
Thus, D Mixolydian is built with the following scale degrees:
- Root (D)
- Major 2nd (E)
- Major 3rd (F♯)
- Perfect 4th (G)
- Perfect 5th (A)
- Major 6th (B)
- Minor 7th (C)
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 D Mixolydian
When stacking thirds on each scale degree of the D Mixolydian scale, the following diatonic triads emerge:
- D major (I)
- E minor (ii)
- F♯ diminished (iii°)
- G major (IV)
- A minor (v)
- B minor (vi)
- C major (VII)
Related Scales and Modes
If you enjoy playing in D Mixolydian, you may also like:
- D major (D Mixolydian with a major 7th)
- D Dorian (D Mixolydian with a flat 3rd)
- G major (parent scale)
D Mixolydian Scale FAQs
How is D Mixolydian different from D major?
D Mixolydian has a minor 7th (C), while D major has a major 7th (C♯).
How is D Mixolydian different from D Dorian?
D Mixolydian has a major 3rd (F♯), while D Dorian has a minor 3rd (F).
What is the parent scale of D Mixolydian?
G major. D Mixolydian uses the same notes as G major, but starts on its 5th degree (D).
Summary: D Mixolydian Scale
- Notes: D, E, F♯, G, A, B, C
- Mode: 5th mode of G major
- Formula: W, W, H, W, W, H, W