Guitar Scale Logic
D Mixolydian Guitar Scale in Half Step Down
Mixolydian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Half Step Down.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
D#|------------------------1--3--4--| A#|---------------1--2--4-----------| F#|------0--1--3--------------------| C#|1--3-----------------------------| G#|---------------------------------| D#|---------------------------------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 11 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 Half Step Down tuning, the open strings run D# A# F# C# G# 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. Half Step Down lowers every string by one semitone. Chord shapes keep their familiar string relationships, but the sounding notes change.
Frame lines around the b7 to keep the mode from sounding like straight major. In Half Step Down, remember that a familiar shape now sounds one semitone lower.
- 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