How to Play an A Mixolydian Scale on Piano

Learning to play an A Mixolydian scale on the piano doesn't require nearly as much attention to finger crossings as most other scales. The majority of technical practicing time must be given to increased speed and agility, especially at the octave turns. A Mixolydian is the fifth mode of D major. The scale has two sharps (F#, C#) and shares a key signature with D major. There are only two black keys in the scale mixed with a comfortable number of five white keys, requiring your wrist to stay close to its natural position.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Practice the scale with your right hand first. Place your thumb on A5. Ascend a major third interval through A natural, B and C#. Bring your thumb under your middle finger to D5. Ascend the remaining perfect fifth interval through D, E, F#, G and A natural. Your pinkie should land on A6, one octave higher than your starting pitch. As you ascend, keep your forearm as stable and perpendicular to the keyboard as possible in order to increase your speed and agility.

2. Descend the A Mixolydian scale with your right hand. Beginning with your pinkie on A6, descend a perfect fifth interval through the notes A, G, F#, E and D natural. Cross your middle finger over your thumb to C#5. Descend the remaining major third interval through C#, B and A natural. Your thumb should now be on A5, in the same position you started the scale in.

3. Focus on your left hand only now. Place your pinkie finger on A4 and ascend a perfect fifth interval through the notes A, B, C#, D and E natural. Cross your middle finger over your thumb to F#4. Ascend the remaining minor third interval through F#, G and A natural. Your thumb should land on A5, exactly one octave higher than where you started.

4. Descend the A Mixolydian scale with your left hand. Beginning with your thumb on A5, descend a minor third interval through A, G and F#. Bring your thumb under your middle finger to E4. Descend the remaining perfect fifth interval through the notes E, D, C#, B and A natural. Your pinkie should land on A4, the same pitch you started with.

5. Practice the A Mixolydian scale with both hands simultaneously. Give a bit more attention to the pattern in the left hand, as this is the more difficult one to master. Begin practicing this scale with a tempo of no more than 90 beats per minute. Slowly increase the tempo to no more than 185 beats per minute.