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Scale

Hypomixolydian

Hypomixolydian is the plagal form of the Mixolydian mode and counts as the eighth church mode. It has the same finalis G, but the range reaches from D4 to D5. The tenor is traditionally C.

Number
8th church mode
Finalis
G
Tenor (reciting note)
C
Range
D4–D5
Authentic form
Mixolydian

Mixolydian, a fourth lower

Hypomixolydian belongs to the authentic Mixolydian. Both close on G and have the same note collection. Mixolydian goes from G4 to G5, Hypomixolydian from D4 to D5. So here too the finalis lies in the middle, a fourth above the lower edge.

Hypomixolydian (range D4–D5)

D E F G A B C D 1 ½ 1 1 1 ½ 1

The finalis G lies in the middle, the tenor C is marked too. The same white keys as Mixolydian, but the range begins a fourth below the closing note. The tenor C lies above the finalis G.

For comparison: Mixolydian (range G4–G5)

G A B C D E F G 1 1 ½ 1 1 ½ 1

Like major, but with a minor seventh F instead of F♯ (marked). Built upwards from G.

In the glossary: Plagal mode · Finalis · Repercussa

The tenor C

The tenor, the note around which the melody circles and on which it is recited, lies in the Hypomixolydian mode on C, in the Mixolydian on D. Together with the range it decides whether you hear a melody in the eighth or in the seventh mode. The standard table of the church modes is a system of order; in practice deviations and extensions of the range by a few notes are usual.

Practice: Play the first line and then the second. Both share the notes, but the second feels directed upwards. Sing a short melody that ends on G, once with notes from D to G and once from G to D5.

Continue on Maikstrings

The modes through familiar pieces

How the modes sound in familiar music.

Scale Ear Training

Tell scale types apart by ear.

Scales

Major, minor and further scales.

Related terms

Plagal modeMixolydianChurch modeHypolydianFinalisAmbitusRepercussa

Editor: Maik Krohm · reviewed on 3 October 2026

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