Mixolydian Scale

The Mixolydian scale is a major scale with a flat 7th. In G that's G A B C D E F: the G major scale with F instead of F#. You keep the bright major 3rd and gain a bluesy b7, so the scale sounds major, relaxed and a little rough around the edges.

It's the scale of dominant 7 chords and of countless rock, country and funk vamps that rock between I and bVII (G and F). If a song sits on one major or 7 chord and the major scale sounds too sweet, Mixolydian is usually the answer.

The Modes chapter plays G Mixolydian in open position. This chapter takes it across the whole neck:

1. Formula, patterns and sound. The degrees, five positions plus a 3-notes-per-string shape, where it fits and how to move it to any key. Free.
2. Practice exercises. Position 1 in 16ths, descending groups of three, diatonic 3rds and a line that connects two positions.
3. Soloing. A G-F barre-chord vamp to play over, two original licks, and how to make the b7 work for you.