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G♭ Mixolydian Scale

The G♭ Mixolydian scale is the 5th mode of the C♭ 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 G♭ Mixolydian scale: notes, intervals, theory, and how to play it on the piano.

G♭ Mixolydian Scale Notes

The G♭ Mixolydian scale contains the following notes:

G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭

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

G♭ Mixolydian Piano Diagram

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

G♭ Mixolydian Scale Formula and Intervals

The interval formula for the Mixolydian scale is:

W – W – H – W – W – H – W

Applied to G♭, this gives us:

Thus, G♭ 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 G♭ Mixolydian

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

Related Scales and Modes

If you enjoy playing in G♭ Mixolydian, you may also like:

G♭ Mixolydian Scale FAQs

How is G♭ Mixolydian different from G♭ major?

G♭ Mixolydian has a minor 7th (F♭), while G♭ major has a major 7th (F).

How is G♭ Mixolydian different from G♭ Dorian?

G♭ Mixolydian has a major 3rd (B♭), while G♭ Dorian has a minor 3rd (B♭♭).

What is the parent scale of G♭ Mixolydian?

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

Summary: G♭ Mixolydian Scale