Summary of Modes

In this tutorial, we will summarize the seven modes derived from the major scale, including their structures, sounds, and applications.

The Seven Modes

The seven modes are:

  • Ionian (1st degree): Bright and happy sound.
  • Dorian (2nd degree): Melancholic yet hopeful sound.
  • Phrygian (3rd degree): Dark and exotic sound.
  • Lydian (4th degree): Bright and dreamy sound.
  • Mixolydian (5th degree): Bluesy and dominant sound.
  • Aeolian (6th degree): Sad and melancholic sound.
  • Locrian (7th degree): Dark and unstable sound.

Mode Formulas

Each mode has a specific pattern of whole steps (W) and half steps (H). Here are the formulas for each mode:

  • Ionian: W - W - H - W - W - W - H
  • Dorian: W - H - W - W - W - H - W
  • Phrygian: H - W - W - W - H - W - W
  • Lydian: W - W - W - H - W - W - H
  • Mixolydian: W - W - H - W - W - H - W
  • Aeolian: W - H - W - W - H - W - W
  • Locrian: H - W - W - H - W - W - W

Applications of Modes

Modes are used in various musical contexts, including:

  • Composition: Creating melodies and harmonies with different modal flavors.
  • Improvisation: Providing a framework for soloing over chord progressions.
  • Analysis: Understanding the modal structure of existing music.

Practice Exercises

Here are some practice exercises to help you get familiar with modes:

  1. Play each mode of the C major scale on your instrument, ascending and descending.
  2. Write out the notes of each mode in different keys and play them on your instrument.
  3. Practice improvising using different modes over a static chord or drone.

 

 

Check out some other Bands on Bandcamp.com. Crazy Fingers (Vancouver 1991), Flying Butt Pliers, and Hammy Ham Hands.

Proudly powered by a Text Editor, an IDE, an SFTP client, some Internet searches, and more recently help from some AI.

2025 dispelled.ca end of file.