Mixolydian mode - Definition and Overview

The Mixolydian mode is a musical mode or diatonic scale. It may be considered as having the same order of tones and semitones as the major scale except the fifth (dominant) note is taken as the tonic or starting pitch of the scale. It may also be considered a major scale with the leading tone moved down by a semitone.

The order of tones and semitones in a Mixolydian scale is TTSTTST (T = tone, S = semitone), while the major scale is TTSTTTS. The key signature varies accordingly (it will be the same as that of the major key a fifth below).

Some examples:

• The G Mixolydian mode (Based on C major- on a piano it is all the white keys from one G to the next)
  
• The C Mixolydian mode (Based on F major)
  
• The D Mixolydian mode (Based on G major)
  

Example Usage of Mixolydian