Mixolydian solo featuring Pentatonic scales

In this lesson, we’re looking at another solo study that utilises various Pentatonic scales that reside within the Mixolydian mode. We’re going to focus on those that stem from the 6th note of each Mixolydian scale.

Remember, the purpose of trying to extract Pentatonic (five-note) scales from a seven-note scale, is to provide us with fresh musical perspectives. These not only sound different, but make us play in a different way too.

When extracting any Pentatonic scale one could simply choose to systematically omit two notes from that parental scale.

For example, by leaving out the 2nd and 4th degrees of Mixolydian we get a m7 b 9 arpeggio when viewed from the perspective of the 6th note.

A Mixolydian

–F#m7 b 9 arpeggio –But, by putting all five notes in a row, we can establish a useful Pentatonic scale.

F#m7 b 9 Pentatonic scale –Of course it could also be