Mixolydian for the Guitar and Voice: Resource for Clinical Improvisation

Below is a brief introduction to the mixolydian mode for the guitar. Also included,  are some practice ideas to help incorporate this mode into your clinical tool box.

I. INTRODUCING MIXOLYDIAN

Mixolydian Mode

• The relationship to the major scale
• Relationship between major scale and Mixolydian
• The mixolydian mode is always based on the Fifth scale degree of the relative major scale:

• The relationship to the major scale (5^th degree)
• Relationship between major scale and Mixolydian
• Based on the 5th scale degree of the relative major scale
• Varies from the major scale by the flatted 7th.
• The scale degrees are R, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and b7

Mixolydian: Basic Chords/Triads

I Chord	Major	G-B-D
ii Chord	Minor	A-C-E
iii Chord	Diminished	B-D-F
IV Chord	Major	C-E-G
V Chord	Minor	D-F-A
Vi Chord	Minor	E-G-A
VII Chord	Major	F-A-C

Practice Techniques

Exploring the Mixolydian: It’s a Process

• Sing the scale and begin to anticipate and “hear” the b7 (minor 7^th)
• Sing & develop short melodic themes that you repeat (emphasize the b7th)
• Create tonal center (we are in G mixo, not C major, yes?)
• Begin with a simple ostinati in the left hand and begin to sing
• Understanding harmonies (develop chords on each tone)
• Choose 2 chords and play a melody between the 2 chords
• Let’s not forget about rhythm, tempo, range (piano/guitar) and singing
• Guitar: Play the scale with 1 finger on 1 string, slowly and evenly

You need to start somewhere

• 1-note, 2-note, 3-note, and 4 note improvisations
• Improvising on a single chord
• Improvising with one hand
• Melody improvisation alone

Tonal Center

• Finding and announcing the tonal center
• Understanding triad for each tone (i.e. major, minor, ½ diminished)
• Constantly emphasizing tonal center
  • Focusing on identifying tone/s in the mode (i.e. G mixo- F, D mixo-C, etc.)
  • Chord placement
  • If you’re in G mixolydian do you hear the resolution going to C or G?

The initial focus of the music therapist (improviser) is to use music to facilitate musical engagement and interaction

• Observe
• Listen
• Musically approach
• Follow musical cues
• Meeting music
• Extend the play: deepening the experience

Interested in learning more? Check out our guitar lessons!