E Mixolydian Scale
The E Mixolydian scale contains E – F# – G# – A – B – C# – D. It uses 3 sharps: F#, C# and G#.
E Mixolydian scale chart
Sharps and flats
E Mixolydian has 3 sharps: F#, C# and G#. Its parent major scale is A major, which uses the same notes. See the chords in the key of A major.
Scale degrees
| Degree | Note | Semitones from E |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | E | 0 |
| 2 | F# | 2 |
| 3 | G# | 4 |
| 4 | A | 5 |
| 5 | B | 7 |
| 6 | C# | 9 |
| b7 | D | 10 |
Step pattern
The Mixolydian scale is built from the pattern W – W – H – W – W – H – W (W = whole step, H = half step). Apply that pattern from any starting note and you get the same mode in a different key.
Chords in E Mixolydian
Building a triad on each degree of the scale gives you the chords that belong to it. These are the chords to reach for when writing in E Mixolydian.
| Degree | Numeral | Chord | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | I | E | E G# B |
| 2 | ii | F#m | F# A C# |
| 3 | iii° | G#dim | G# B D |
| 4 | IV | A | A C# E |
| 5 | v | Bm | B D F# |
| 6 | vi | C#m | C# E G# |
| 7 | VII | D | D F# A |
Other modes on E
More scales on E
Mixolydian scale in other keys
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the E Mixolydian scale?
The E Mixolydian scale contains E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, then returns to E an octave higher.
How many sharps are in E Mixolydian?
E Mixolydian has 3 sharps: F#, C# and G#.
What is the step pattern of the Mixolydian scale?
The Mixolydian scale follows the whole/half step pattern W – W – H – W – W – H – W, where W is a whole step (two semitones) and H is a half step (one semitone).
Which chords work with the E Mixolydian scale?
The diatonic chords are E, F#m, G#dim, A, Bm, C#m, D. Each is built only from notes of the E Mixolydian scale, so they all belong to the same tonality — though the diminished chord carries a tritone and normally wants to resolve.