The Mixolydian Scale is widely-used in folk, pop, rock, bluegrass, country, and modal jazz…
Theory
Here, for example, are the notes in the C Mixolydian Scale identified by letter name, scale degree (numbers), and Solfege syllable…
- The scale structure of the Mixolydian Scale is always 1-2-3-4-5-6-b7-1, no matter what key you are in.
- The Solfege syllables of the Mixolydian Scale are always Do-Re-Me-Fa-So-La-Te-Do, no matter what key you are in.
- The only thing that changes when you change keys are the letter names.
Comparative Scale Study
Notice that the Mixolydian Scale shares the same notes as the Major Scale with one exception: Te instead of Ti…
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Play and sing the Mixolydian Scale and Major Scale side-by-side, slowly enough to hear the difference between Ti and Te, paying special attention to the unique melodic-harmonic tension that each note has with respect to Do.
Changing a single note allows you to create a whole new kind of music!
The Mixolydian Scale in Action
Old Joe Clark
Taking Care of Business
Solfege Ear Training
Reading and singing the Solfege syllables out loud is a very effective way to internalize the unique sound-feeling of each note in a musical scale. Reminder: It is absolutely essential that you sing these out loud… and to play and sing slowly enough to allow the unique sound-feeling of each solfege syllable to make an impression on your mind’s ear.
C Mixolydian Scale: Linear, Ascending…
C Mixolydian Scale: Linear, Descending…
C Mixolydian Scale: Do-X-Do, Ascending…
C Mixolydian Scale: Do-X-Do, Descending…
