What features a major scale with a lowered 7th degree?

The major scale with a lowered 7th degree corresponds to the Mixolydian scale. This scale is derived from the major scale but alters one specific note—the seventh scale degree—which is lowered by a half step. Therefore, it contrasts with the typical major scale characteristics, which maintains a whole step between the 6th and 7th degrees.

In the context of musical theory, the Mixolydian scale is commonly used in various genres, particularly in blues and rock music, because of its unique sound that incorporates both the brightness of the major scale and the slight tension introduced by the lowered 7th. This specific alteration gives the Mixolydian scale a distinctive quality, especially when used in chord progressions, allowing for the dominant seventh chord to resolve effectively.

The other scale options do not feature this specific modification of the seventh degree while maintaining the major scale structure. The Ionian scale is essentially the natural major scale without any alterations. The Dorian scale is a minor scale with a raised 6th degree, and the Locrian scale is a minor scale based on the 7th degree of the major scale, which has both a lowered 2nd and lowered 5th degree. Thus, the unique feature of