C# Mixolydian Pentatonic Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in 8-string tuning — fretboard diagram
C# Mixolydian Pentatonic in 8-string — Notes and Intervals
The C# Mixolydian Pentatonic scale is a dominant-flavored five-note scale that emphasizes the relaxed, bluesy side of the Mixolydian mode. On Guitar, the notes are C#, F, F#, G#, B. It is an excellent choice for soloing over dominant chords when you want to maintain the simplicity and flow of a pentatonic structure. Commonly used in Blues, Rock, Country, Funk. Notable players include Jimi Hendrix, Dickey Betts, Derek Trucks. Use over dominant 7th chords (7, 9, 13). Simpler than full Mixolydian but captures the essential dominant color.
Notes: C#, F, F#, G#, B
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4P, 5P, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 b5
Formula: 4-H-W-WH-W
Number of notes: 5
Tuning: 8-string (F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E)
Also known as: indian
About 8-string Tuning
The 8-string guitar adds both a low B and a low F# string (F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E), pushing the instrument's range almost into bass guitar territory. This massive tonal range has become the weapon of choice for djent, progressive metal, and experimental composers who need bone-crushing low-end and soaring highs in a single instrument.
With artists like Tosin Abasi, Meshuggah, and After the Burial leading the charge, the 8-string guitar has redefined what's possible in modern heavy music. The low F# string delivers subsonic heaviness that you can feel in your chest, while the upper strings maintain standard guitar voicings for leads and clean passages. Extended-range compositions often exploit the full span of the instrument, creating a wall of sound that covers bass, rhythm, and lead guitar roles simultaneously.
Notable artists: Meshuggah, Animals as Leaders, After the Burial, Intervals, Monuments
Best for: Djent polyrhythms, extended-range metal riffs, experimental compositions, and one-instrument arrangements spanning bass to lead
Musical Character
Emphasizes the b7 characteristic of the Mixolydian mode within a pentatonic framework, ideal for quick dominant-flavored runs.
Chord Progressions Using This Scale
- I – ♭VII – IV (Classic Rock Loop)Pop / Rock — Energy & Drive
- I – VI7 – II7 – V (Ragtime Cycle)Jazz / Soul — Playful & Vintage
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- C# Mixolydian Pentatonic in Standard Tuning
- C# Mixolydian Pentatonic in Drop D
- C# Mixolydian Pentatonic in DADGAD
- C# Mixolydian Pentatonic in Open G
- C# Mixolydian Pentatonic in Baritone (B Standard)
- C# Mixolydian Pentatonic in 7-string
- C# Mixolydian Pentatonic in Drop C
- C# Mixolydian Pentatonic in Drop B
- C# Mixolydian Pentatonic in Open D