Scale Comparison
Pick two scales and a root note to see exactly which intervals they share and where they diverge.
vs
Quick:
All 12 notes — from G
GR
G#b2
A2
A#b3
B3
C4
C#b5
D5
D#b6
E6
Fb7
F#7
Mixolydian only (1)Major only (1)Shared (6)
Scale A
G Mixolydian
GABCDEF
R 2 3 4 5 6 b7
Major with a b7. Common in rock, blues, and Celtic music.
Open on fretboard →Scale B
G Major
GABCDEF#
R 2 3 4 5 6 7
Bright and happy. The foundation of Western music.
Open on fretboard →Degree-by-degree comparison
| # | Mixolydian | Major | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | G (R) | G (R) | same |
| 2 | A (2) | A (2) | same |
| 3 | B (3) | B (3) | same |
| 4 | C (4) | C (4) | same |
| 5 | D (5) | D (5) | same |
| 6 | E (6) | E (6) | same |
| 7 | F (b7) | F# (7) | b7 → 7 (1 semitone) |
Mixolydian vs Major: What changes?
Mixolydian differs from major by a single note — the flattened 7th.
Mood difference
Mixolydian has a bluesy, slightly unresolved feel compared to the settled brightness of major.
Harmonic function
The ♭7 replaces the leading tone, removing the strong harmonic pull toward the root. It creates the characteristic ♭VII major chord.