A# Mixolydian Scale

The fifth mode. Like major scale but with a ♭7 — used extensively in rock and blues.

Major + bluesy Rock 7 notes
A# Mixolydian Scale — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

The A# Mixolydian scale consists of 7 notes: A#, C, D, D#, F, G, G#. Its step interval pattern is W–W–H–W–W–H–W (W=whole step, H=half step), creating a characteristic major + bluesy sound.

Formula: W–W–H–W–W–H–W
Notes
A# – C – D – D# – F – G – G#
Step Pattern
W–W–H–W–W–H–W

A# Mixolydian Scale on Piano

A# 1 (Root)
C 2
D 3
D# 4
F 5
G 6
G# ♭7

Scale Degrees

Degree Semitones Note Scale Name
1 (Root) 0 A# Tonic
2 2 C Supertonic
3 4 D Mediant
4 5 D# Subdominant
5 7 F Dominant
6 9 G Submediant
7 10 G# Leading Tone

About the A# Mixolydian Scale

The A# Mixolydian scale contains 7 notes — A#, C, D, D#, F, G, G# — following the interval pattern W–W–H–W–W–H–W. The fifth mode. Like major scale but with a ♭7 — used extensively in rock and blues.

Sound and Musical Character

The A# Mixolydian scale has a major + bluesy character. The major third (D) above the root A# gives it its brighter, more uplifting quality.

How to Practice A# Mixolydian

Start slow — 60 BPM with a metronome — playing the scale ascending and descending. On piano, learn the correct fingering to minimize hand position shifts. On guitar, learn one box pattern first, then expand to cover the entire neck. The key milestone is being able to play the A# Mixolydian scale starting from any position in any key.

Using A# Mixolydian in Real Music

The A# Mixolydian scale is fundamental to Rock, blues, country, folk, jazz. Countless famous recordings use this exact scale over major progressions in the key of A#. Learning this scale in the context of real songs is the fastest way to internalize its sound.

Mixolydian Scale in All 12 Keys

C C# D D# E F F# G G# A A# B

Other A# Scales

A# Major
Bright, happy
A# Natural Minor
Sad, melancholic
A# Harmonic Minor
Exotic, dramatic
A# Melodic Minor
Smooth, jazzy
A# Major Pentatonic
Bright, versatile
A# Minor Pentatonic
Bluesy, soulful
A# Blues
Raw, expressive
A# Dorian
Minor + jazzy
Virtual Piano
Play the scale on piano
Virtual Guitar
See fretboard patterns
A# Chords
Chords for this key
Theory
How scales work

Knowledge Base & FAQs

A# Mixolydian Scale — Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our browser-based Web Audio engine, instruments, and music theory workspace.

What notes are in the A# Mixolydian scale?

The A# Mixolydian scale has 7 notes: A#, C, D, D#, F, G, G#.

The pattern is W–W–H–W–W–H–W (W=whole step/2 semitones, H=half step/1 semitone).

How many notes does the Mixolydian scale have?

The Mixolydian scale has 7 notes.

This is a heptatonic (7-note) scale — the most common type in Western music.

What is the character of the Mixolydian scale?

The Mixolydian scale sounds major + bluesy.

The fifth mode. Like major scale but with a ♭7 — used extensively in rock and blues. It is commonly used in Rock, blues, country, folk, jazz.

What step pattern does the A# Mixolydian scale use?

The A# Mixolydian scale uses the pattern W–W–H–W–W–H–W.

Starting from A#: A#, up 2 semitones to C, up 2 semitones to D, up 1 semitone to D#, up 2 semitones to F, up 2 semitones to G, up 1 semitone to G#.

Is the A# Mixolydian scale major or minor?

The A# Mixolydian scale is a major-type scale — it contains a major third above the root, giving it a brighter, more uplifting quality.

How does A# Mixolydian relate to other scales?

The Mixolydian scale is a 7-note subset of the major scale.

Its reduced note count makes it highly versatile for improvisation.

How do I practice the A# Mixolydian scale on guitar?

Learn the A# Mixolydian scale as a box pattern.

Find A# on the 6th string, then play the pattern ascending (0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10 semitones). Practice slowly with a metronome at 60 BPM, then increase by 5 BPM each session. Also learn to play across the neck, not just in one box.

What chords work over the A# Mixolydian scale?

Over the A# Mixolydian scale, use A#m (i), D major (♭III), and G# major — diatonic chords of the A# minor family.

Every note in the scale works safely over these chords.

How do I use the A# Mixolydian scale for improvisation?

Start by playing the A# Mixolydian scale notes in sequence to internalize their sound.

Then practice landing on the root (A#), third (D), and fifth (F) on strong beats. Use passing tones between these chord tones. The major + bluesy character of this scale makes it ideal for Rock improvisation.

What genres use the A# Mixolydian scale?

The A# Mixolydian scale is widely used in Rock, blues, country, folk, jazz.

The fifth mode. Like major scale but with a ♭7 — used extensively in rock and blues. Its major + bluesy character fits these musical styles perfectly. Learning this scale in all 12 keys allows you to play in any key within these genres.