The 7 Major Modes

What are Modes?

A mode is a relationship between a scale and one of the 12 keys. The seven modes below are the modes of the major scale, with visual examples the key of C.

1) Ionian Mode

The Ionian Mode is a seven-note scale that forms the basis for the majority of Western music. It is also known as the Major Scale. It is built from intervals of a whole step and a half step. The half step is located between the third and fourth note of the scale. The Ionian Mode is the foundation for a range of musical genres, from classical music to jazz, and is essential for any musician to understand in order to compose or improvise. It is used to create melodies and harmonies and is the basis for many musical forms, such as the sonata form, the rondo form, and the twelve-bar blues. It is important to understand the concept of the Ionian Mode in order to notate and compose music, as it is the foundation of common tonal music.

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2) Dorian Mode

The Dorian mode is used often in jazz improvisation and composition and can be used to create a variety of harmonic progressions and melodic ideas. Working best in minor-7 harmonies, Dorian can be used to create complex chord voicings, as well as provide a more melodic and harmonic variety in music than other modes. The Dorian mode is a great tool for any musician looking to add a unique flavor to their music.

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3) Phrygian Mode

One of the stranger modes, the Phrygian mode is built on the third degree of the major scale. It is one of the oldest known musical modes and has a distinctive sound that has been used in a variety of musical genres, including jazz, classical music, and rock. Characterized by its minor tonality and a flattened second, the Phrygian mode is an important part of jazz theory and is often used to build chord progressions and improvisations. Its distinct sound is derived from the tritone interval (augmented fourth) created by the combination of its root note and the flattened second.

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4) Lydian Mode

In the key of C, lydian mode is the G major scale beginning on C. Lydian is sometimes colloquially known as “super major” because the sharp 4 scale degree gives the harmony an uplifted, even more cheerful sound than major. Explore substituting the lydian mode in the place of the major scale when playing major and major seventh harmonies.

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5) Mixolydian Mode

The Mixolydian mode is a type of musical scale that is widely used in jazz and classical music. It is a major scale with a lowered seventh interval, which gives it more rounded, mellow sound. Mixolydian is the go-to mode which perfectly compliments dominant 7 chords.

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6) Aeolian Mode

Aeolian is the sixth mode of the major scale, and can be formed by starting on the sixth note of the major scale (A in the key of C) and playing all its notes in sequence. It is also referred to as a minor scale, as it contains a minor third interval as well as a minor sixth and seventh interval. This versatile mode can be used to create a wide variety of musical textures and colors.

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7) Locrian Mode

Locrian is a musical mode or scale in which the tonic or root note of the scale is the seventh note of the major scale. It is the most dissonant of the seven musical modes and is considered to be the darkest and most mysterious sounding. This mode is most often used in jazz music and the diminished fifth is its most characteristic interval. It is derived from the major scale but the second, third, sixth and seventh notes are lowered a half step. The Locrian mode is often used in improvisation and is a great tool for creating tension and release as well as a sense of mystery and ambiance.