Introduction to Modes
In Western music, modes are derived from the major scale and offer distinct tonalities and emotional qualities. Each mode is built by starting on a different degree of the major scale, which alters the inherent intervals and creates unique sounds.
- Modes provide different musical flavors using the same set of notes as the major scale.
- Each mode starts on a different degree of the major scale.
- Commonly used modes include Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian.
Ionian Mode
The Ionian mode is simply the major scale and is characterized by a bright, happy sound. It is the first mode and starts on the root note of the scale, preserving all the original intervals.
- Same as the major scale.
- Starts on the first degree of the scale.
- Has a bright, happy sound.
Dorian Mode
The Dorian mode has a minor quality with a raised sixth, giving it a jazzy feel. It starts on the second degree of the major scale and is known for its smooth, yet slightly melancholic sound.
- Minor scale with a raised sixth.
- Starts on the second degree of the major scale.
- Has a jazzy, smooth sound.
Phrygian Mode
The Phrygian mode is a minor mode with a flat second, giving it an exotic, Spanish flavor. It starts on the third degree of the major scale and is often used in flamenco music.
- Minor mode with a flat second.
- Starts on the third degree of the major scale.
- Has an exotic, Spanish flavor.
Lydian Mode
The Lydian mode is a major mode with a raised fourth, creating a dreamy sound. It starts on the fourth degree of the major scale and is often associated with film scores due to its ethereal quality.
- Major mode with a raised fourth.
- Starts on the fourth degree of the major scale.
- Has a dreamy, ethereal sound.
Mixolydian Mode
The Mixolydian mode has a major quality with a flat seventh, providing a bluesy sound. It starts on the fifth degree of the major scale and is widely used in rock and country music.
- Major mode with a flat seventh.
- Starts on the fifth degree of the major scale.
- Has a bluesy, root-oriented sound.
Aeolian Mode
The Aeolian mode is identical to the natural minor scale and is known for its sadder, more somber sound. It starts on the sixth degree of the major scale.
- Identical to the natural minor scale.
- Starts on the sixth degree of the major scale.
- Has a sad, somber sound.
Locrian Mode
The Locrian mode is the least stable and has a diminished quality, starting on the seventh degree of the major scale. It features a flat fifth, giving it a tense and unresolved sound, which is why it's seldom used as a home base in music.
- Diminished quality with a flat fifth.
- Starts on the seventh degree of the major scale.
- Has a tense, unresolved sound.