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