A Mixolydian B6 Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Drop D tuning — fretboard diagram
A Mixolydian B6 in Drop D — Notes and Intervals
The A Mixolydian B6 scale is a melancholic dominant scale used when a song is in a major key but the dominant chord needs to resolve into a minor key. On Guitar, the notes are A, B, C#, D, E, F, G. It provides a bridge between the bright major and the sad minor worlds, perfect for emotional transitions. Commonly used in Jazz, Film Scores, Classical, Melodic Metal. Notable players include Hans Zimmer, Ennio Morricone. Use over dominant 7th chords that resolve to minor (V7 → im). The scale that bridges major happiness and minor sadness.
Notes: A, B, C#, D, E, F, G
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: W-W-H-W-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-E)
Also known as: melodic minor fifth mode, hindu
About Drop D Tuning
Drop D tuning lowers the 6th string from E to D, giving you instant access to heavy power chords with a single finger. This deceptively simple change opens up a world of heavier riffs, deeper bass notes, and new chord voicings that are impossible in standard tuning. The low D string creates a powerful foundation for rhythm playing while keeping the rest of the fretboard familiar.
Drop D is one of the most versatile alternate tunings in modern music. From the crunchy riffs of grunge and alternative rock to the thunderous breakdowns of metal, this tuning has shaped the sound of countless iconic songs. It's also surprisingly useful for fingerpicking and acoustic arrangements where you need a deep bass drone.
Notable artists: Foo Fighters, Soundgarden, Rage Against the Machine, Tool, Killswitch Engage
Best for: Power chords, heavy riffs, drop-tuned metal rhythm, and acoustic arrangements with a deep bass drone
Musical Character
A 'sad dominant' — major 3rd says happy, b6 says sad, b7 says dominant. This emotional contradiction makes it perfect for scenes of bittersweet triumph or pyrrhic victory.