The staff shows the 8 notes of a Mixolydian scale, and your task is to recognize which one it is. On easy you choose from 4 options; on hard you first pick the root note and then its accidental.
Tip: Mixolydian is a major-sounding mode with a minor 7th: the 7th degree is lowered by a half step compared with the major scale.
What is the Mixolydian scale?
The Mixolydian scale is the major scale with the 7th degree lowered by a half step. Its pattern of whole steps (UK: tones) and half steps (UK: semitones) is W-W-H-W-W-H-W. It sounds major but has no leading tone, which gives it an open character typical of blues, rock and folk music.
Example: G Mixolydian
Start from G major (G-A-B-C-D-E-F♯) and lower the 7th degree (F♯ becomes F♮): G-A-B-C-D-E-F-G. The key signature is the one of G major (one sharp), and the 7th is lowered with a natural sign.
The key signature of Mixolydian
A Mixolydian scale uses the key signature of the major scale on the same tonic. The lowered 7th is not in the key signature: it is written as an accidental, a natural sign if the key signature raised that note, or a flat if it did not alter it.
To lock these scales into your fingers, practice them with the online metronome at 60-70% of your target tempo. The online tuner lets you check your tuning first. You can also build it note by note.
Printable worksheet (PDF)
The same exercise on paper, for class: eight Mixolydian scales written on one side of an A4 sheet, half with a key signature and half with the accidentals before each note. The name of each scale is written below it. With a separate answer sheet, with the answers in red.
It goes from easier to harder: first key signatures with few accidentals in treble clef, then more accidentals and the bass clef.
Download the worksheet (PDF A4) Answers
You may print and photocopy the worksheets freely for the classroom. There are also worksheets of this same type for writing and writing with a key signature, and in the scales index you can create custom worksheets, mixing whichever types you like.