Guitar Scale Logic
D Mixolydian Guitar Scale in DADGAD
Mixolydian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for DADGAD.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
D|---------------------------------------0--| A|------------------------------------3-----| G|---------------------------0--2--4--------| D|------------------0--2--4-----------------| A|---------0--2--3--------------------------| D|0--2--4-----------------------------------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 14 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The D Mixolydian scale uses D, E, F♯, G, A, B, C and the formula 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7. In DADGAD tuning, the open strings run D A G D A D from highest to lowest, so use this map rather than a Standard-tuning shape. Use the map to locate each D root, then select a five-fret position to see its tablature. The chord suggestions use notes from this scale.
Mixolydian sounds major but loose, rootsy and dominant. Try it for southern rock, jam-band leads and bluesy major riffs. DADGAD is D-A-D-G-A-D from low to high. The open strings contain D, A and G, leaving out the third of a D chord.
Frame lines around the b7 to keep the mode from sounding like straight major. In DADGAD, try an open-string drone that fits your chosen key and scale.
- D
- E
- F♯
- G
- A
- B
- C
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- D7dominant 7
- Dmajor
- Dsus2sus2
- Dsus4sus4
- D5power
- Emminor
- Esus2sus2
- Esus4sus4
- E5power
- Em7minor 7