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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