Scales reference
Mixolydian Mode
Mixolydian is the fifth mode of the major scale. It combines a major third with a lowered seventh degree.
Developing reference
Overview
Mixolydian has major quality but lacks Ionian's leading tone. Its minor seventh above the tonic supports a dominant seventh chord directly on the modal centre.
Construction
Mixolydian begins on the fifth degree of its relative parent major scale. In parallel terms, it resembles a major scale with a lowered seventh.
Characteristics
The major third and minor seventh define its dominant-coloured tonic sonority. Because the seventh lies a whole tone below the tonic, cadential motion can feel less leading-tone driven than Ionian.
Applications
Mixolydian supports major modal melodies, dominant-centred vamps, improvisation over dominant seventh harmony, and progressions that use the lowered seventh as a structural note.