C Mixolydian Cavaquinho Scale
Cavaquinho scale — fretboard diagramBeginner
C Mixolydian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C Mixolydian scale is the fifth mode of the major scale and the heart of rock and roll and blues. On Cavaquinho, it contains the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, Bb. It combines the stability of a major sound with a more relaxed, folk-like ending, perfectly suited for soloing over dominant seventh chords and providing a bluesy, soulful vibe to major-key songs. The diatonic chords of C Mixolydian are C7, Dm7, Em7b5, FMaj7, Gm7, Am7, BbMaj7. Commonly used in Blues, Rock, Country, Folk, Funk. Notable players include Jimi Hendrix, The Allman Brothers, AC/DC, Stevie Ray Vaughan. Use over dominant 7th chords (7, 9, 13). The primary scale for blues-rock soloing over non-resolving dominant chords.
Notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, Bb
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7
Formula: W-W-H-W-W-H-W
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: dominant
Diatonic Chords
C7 — Dm7 — Em7♭5 — FMaj7 — Gm7 — Am7 — B♭Maj7
Musical Character
The b7 softens the major scale's resolution, creating a 'relaxed major' that never quite lands. This is the sound of rock and roll — major but with attitude.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Blues, Rock, Country, Folk, Funk
Notable players: Jimi Hendrix, The Allman Brothers, AC/DC, Stevie Ray Vaughan
How to Use the C Mixolydian Scale
Use over dominant 7th chords (7, 9, 13). The primary scale for blues-rock soloing over non-resolving dominant chords.
Origin & Background
Named after the ancient Mixolydians. The mode behind virtually all classic rock and blues guitar.
How to Play C Mixolydian on Cavaquinho
Begin by locating C on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Mixolydian scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The C Mixolydian scale contains 1 flat (Bb). Its relative minor is A minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the C Mixolydian scale ascending and descending at 60 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (C-E, D-F) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Try these progressions with the C Mixolydian scale: C7 - FMaj7 - Gm7 - C7 (I-IV-V-I) or C7 - Dm7 - FMaj7 - Gm7 for a more stepwise movement. This scale is especially effective in folk contexts.
Cavaquinho Tips
Practice the C Mixolydian scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed. Aim for a relaxed quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Mixolydian is the 5th mode of the Major scale. View C Major scale
Chord Progressions Using This Scale
- bVI – bVII – I (Mario Cadence)World / Game Music — Triumph & Victory
- I – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – V (12 Bar Blues)Blues — Grit & Soul
- I – bVI – bIII – bVII (Epic Borrowed Chords)Contemporary / Film — Epic & Heroic
- I – ♭VII – IV (Classic Rock Loop)Pop / Rock — Energy & Drive
- I – VI7 – II7 – V (Ragtime Cycle)Jazz / Soul — Playful & Vintage
- ♭VII – IV – I (Gospel Walk-Up)Blues — Spiritual & Uplifting
The C Mixolydian scale contains 7 notes (C, D, E, F, G, A, Bb). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Cavaquinho with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C Mixolydian
The C Mixolydian scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore C Mixolydian Further
- Browse chord progressions
- C Mixolydian on Guitar
- C Mixolydian on Ukulele
- C Mixolydian on Bass
- C Mixolydian on Piano