The Mixolydian b6 Mode

In this lesson, we are going to be taking a look at the exotic sounding mixolydian b6 scale. The mixolydian b6 scale is the fifth mode of the melodic minor scale and is commonly used to play over 9b13 chords or as an interesting and unusual scale choice over a dominant seven chord.

You don’t really hear the mixolydian b6 scale too often but it is an interesting scale that can be exploited to create some interesting and unusual jazz lines. As the name implies, the mixolydian b6 scale is simply a mixolydian scale with b6 note. You can see the mixolydian b6 scale as a mixolydian #5 scale and obviously it can work well over a 7#5 chord.

If you would like to see the guitar tab for the mixolydian b6 scale click here

The notes of the Mixolydian b6 scale in the key or C are:

C, D, E, F, G, Ab Bb

The intervals of the mixolydian b6 scale are:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, b6, b7

The best way to really get to know the sound of this exotic mode is to play around with it over a dominant 9b13 vamp. Have fun experimenting with the unusual sounds of the mixolydian b6 scale and see if you can find a place for it in your own playing.