Mode guide
Mixolydian Mode: formula, chords, and sound
Mixolydian is a major mode with a flattened seventh. Learn its formula, hear G Mixolydian, and play the G–F–C–G loop.
The short answer
Mixolydian Mode is major with a relaxed seventh
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Mixolydian differs from Ionian by one note: the seventh is minor. In G, F natural replaces the F♯ of G major.
- Example tonic
- G
- Home chord
- G major
- Characteristic degree
- minor 7th
01
Hear G Mixolydian
F natural removes the leading tone’s strong upward pull. The F major chord gives the mode its clear ♭VII sound. The characteristic note in this example is F.
G Mixolydian scale
G – A – B – C – D – E – F – G
Sound loads when you first play.
02
Diatonic triads
These seven chords use only notes from the mode. The first chord is the tonal home.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | ♭7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | Am | Bdim | C | Dm | Em | F |
03
Practice loop: I–♭VII–IV–I
This is a listening exercise, not a claim about the most common progression. Keep returning your ear to G major.
G – F – C – G
I–♭VII–IV–I in G Mixolydian.
Sound loads when you first play.
How to make the mode sound clear
- Move F down to E before returning to G.
- Alternate G and F to establish the flat seventh.
- Compare F with F♯ to hear Mixolydian become Ionian.