Mixolydian Scale its Functions in the Major Key

G7 Mixolydian scale or mode functions as the V7 of the Major chord. In the key of Cmaj-1maj, the Vth chord is G7, this G7 functions as the Dominant7 of the 1Maj chord. It is the presence of the tritone, B and the F notes, which makes the chord, to want to resolve strongly to the root.

The V7-Mixolydian scale:

G.A,B,C,D,E,F,G

Degrees of the Chord Tones and Tensions involved:

G=1=chord tone

B=3=c.t.

D=5=c.t.

F=7=tension b7

A=9=t.9

C=11=t.11

E=t.13

Diatonic Triads/Chords belonging to the G7 mixolydian scale:

*G =G,B,D,=1*Bdim=B,D,F,=3*Dm=D,F,A,=5*F=F,A,C,=b7*Am=A,C,E,=9*C=C,E,G,=11*Em=E,G,B,=13

Using this theory we can combine the triads to give us the required tensions for the chords. The basic chords are the G7 and the rest can be use to fit the various tensions that are required.

Interesting chords in the mixolydian mode:

For a basic chord sound we would use the G chord, as guitar players have only four notes to play with, select only the important chord tones than add the tensions for flavor.

Piano players have the advantage of the both hands.

G7= G7+G=G,B,D,F=G,B,D

G7=G7+Bdim=G,B,D,F=B,D,F

G9=G7+Dm=G,B,D,F=D,F,A

G11=G7+F=G,B,D,F=F,A,C avoid the B note 3rd note,the 3rd note

G13=G7+Am=G,B,D,F=A,C,E avoid the B note, the 3rd note

G13=G7+C=G,B,D,F=C,E,G avoid B note the 3rd note

G13=G7+Em=G,B,D,F=E,G,B

Beware the b9 intervals

IN the G7 chord the b9 intervals are the C-B notes and the F-E notes.When using the eleventh chords always omit the third.

Mixolydian and its Extensions

The basic dominant chords are:

G, G7, and G9 chords.

G7sus4 is a suspended or sus chord avoid the 3rd please

Dm/G, Dm7/G, Dm9/G

G9,13 in this C dominant 13 chord we can use the 9th and the 13 the A and the E note

The G7 mixolydian is an easy scale to play around, figure out the scale and apply it to all the 12 diatonic keys.Think G7-C, Ab7-Db, E7/A, F7/Bb play around with the notes, try out various intervals like 3rds, 4ths 5ths.

Right! we shall now go to the next interesting scale the Melodic Minor Scale for our theory lesson.

click to go to Melodic Minor Scale

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