Root & scale

C# mixolydian pentatonic

C♯

I

E♯

III

F♯

IV

G♯

V

B

bVII

Fretboard positions

select a scale fingering system to highlight fretting positions

E4
E♯
F♯
G
G♯
A
A♯
B
C
C♯
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
G
G♯
A
A♯
B
C
C♯
D
D♯
B3
C
C♯
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
G
G♯
A
A♯
B
C
C♯
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
G
G♯
A
A♯
G3
G♯
A
A♯
B
C
C♯
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
G
G♯
A
A♯
B
C
C♯
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
D3
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
G
G♯
A
A♯
B
C
C♯
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
G
G♯
A
A♯
B
C
C♯
A2
A♯
B
C
C♯
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
G
G♯
A
A♯
B
C
C♯
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
G
G♯
E2
E♯
F♯
G
G♯
A
A♯
B
C
C♯
D
D♯
E
E♯
F♯
G
G♯
A
A♯
B
C
C♯
D
D♯
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23

Listen to the C# mixolydian pentatonic scale

bpm: 120
start at and

How to use the C# mixolydian pentatonic scale

The Mixolydian Pentatonic scale is a five-note scale derived from the Mixolydian mode. It provides a major tonality with a bluesy edge, perfect for rock and blues solos.

tip
  • The Mixolydian Pentatonic scale is great for soloing over dominant 7th chords, thanks to its flat 7th (bVII) which adds a bluesy, funk edge to your playing.
  • Use the Mixolydian Pentatonic scale in funk, jazz, or blues settings to create groovy, tension-filled solos. Focus on the dominant chord and emphasize the flat 7th.
  • Blend the Mixolydian Pentatonic with the full Mixolydian mode to create solos with greater melodic variation while maintaining a dominant sound.
  • Practice shifting between the Mixolydian Pentatonic and the major pentatonic scales to move smoothly between dominant and major tonalities.
  • Incorporate bends on the flat 7th (bVII) to create expressive, blues-like phrasing while improvising over dominant chords in rock or jazz fusion contexts.