The Mixolydian scale is one of the seven musical modes, characterized by its major tonality with a bluesy, slightly unsettled quality due to its lowered seventh degree. It's widely used in various music genres, including rock, blues, jazz, and classical music.
Construction:
The Mixolydian scale is built using the following interval pattern:
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Whole step
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Whole step
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Half step
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Whole step
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Whole step
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Half step
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Whole step
In G Mixolydian, it would be:
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G (root)
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A (whole step)
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B (whole step)
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C (half step)
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D (whole step)
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E (whole step)
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F (half step)
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G (octave)
Features:
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Major tonality: The Mixolydian mode has a major tonality, characterized by a major third (between the root and the third degree).
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Lowered seventh degree: The defining feature of the Mixolydian mode is its flat seventh degree (compared to the major scale), which gives the scale a slightly bluesy, dominant sound.
Chord Construction:
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Tonic chord (I): G major (G, B, D)
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Supertonic chord (ii): A minor (A, C, E)
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Mediant chord (iii): B diminished (B, D, F)
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Subdominant chord (IV): C major (C, E, G)
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Dominant chord (v): D minor (D, F, A)
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Submediant chord (vi): E minor (E, G, B)
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Subtonic chord (VII): F major (F, A, C)
Usage:
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Blues and Rock: The Mixolydian mode is a staple in blues and rock music, especially for crafting guitar solos and riffs. The flattened seventh creates the characteristic "dominant" sound found in many rock and blues progressions.
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Jazz: In jazz, the Mixolydian mode is often used for improvisation over dominant seventh chords, providing a balance between major and minor tonalities.
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Folk Music: The mode is also common in various folk traditions, giving a lively and somewhat rustic feel to melodies.
The Mixolydian scale is versatile and often used to create a sense of movement and groove, especially in music that leans on dominant harmonies and a blend of major and minor tonalities.