The modes Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian are seven distinct scales derived from the major scale, each starting on a different degree and offering unique interval patterns and tonal colors.
- Modes: Scale variations derived from shifting the starting point of a parent scale.
- Each mode has a specific formula of whole (W) and half (H) steps, giving it a unique sound and emotional quality.
- Used in diverse genres to evoke specific moods and expand harmonic possibilities.
| Mode | Starting Note (of C major) | Formula | Characteristic Sound | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ionian | C | W-W-H-W-W-W-H | Major scale (happy) | Pop, classical, common |
| Dorian | D | W-H-W-W-W-H-W | Minor with raised 6th (jazzy, funky) | Jazz, blues, funk |
| Phrygian | E | H-W-W-W-H-W-W | Minor with b2 (exotic, Spanish) | Flamenco, metal, Spanish |
| Lydian | F | W-W-W-H-W-W-H | Major with #4 (dreamy, bright) | Fusion, film scores |
| Mixolydian | G | W-W-H-W-W-H-W | Major with b7 (bluesy, dominant) | Rock, blues, funk |
| Aeolian | A | W-H-W-W-H-W-W | Natural minor (sad, serious) | Minor keys, ballads |
| Locrian | B | H-W-W-H-W-W-W | Minor with b2 and b5 (unstable) | Jazz, metal, experimental |
Lydian is characterized by a raised 4th, giving it a dreamy, bright sound.
Dorian, Phrygian, Aeolian, and Locrian all have minor tonal qualities.
Mixolydian is similar to the major scale but with a flattened 7th.
Dorian Mode
The Dorian mode is a minor-sounding scale with a unique twist: it features a raised 6th compared to the natural minor scale, which gives it a brighter, more versatile sound often described as 'jazzy' or 'funky.'
- Derived from the 2nd degree of the major scale.
- Formula: W-H-W-W-W-H-W
- Characteristic raised 6th (compared to Aeolian) that adds a subtle brightness.
- Used extensively in jazz, blues, funk, and some rock styles.
Example: D Dorian uses the same notes as C major but starts on D: D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D.
The raised 6th is what makes Dorian distinct from the natural minor scale.
Dorian is derived from the 2nd degree of the major scale.
Dorian mode is popular in jazz, blues, funk, and some forms of rock.
Phrygian Mode
Phrygian is a dark, exotic-sounding mode characterized by a half-step between the root and second degree (b2), giving it a distinctly Spanish or Eastern flavor.
- Derived from the 3rd degree of the major scale.
- Formula: H-W-W-W-H-W-W
- Root to b2 half-step creates a tense, mysterious sound.
- Common in flamenco, metal, and some world music.
Example: E Phrygian uses the notes of C major but starts on E: E, F, G, A, B, C, D, E.
The half-step between root and b2 gives Phrygian its distinctive sound.
Phrygian is often found in flamenco, metal, and some world music.
Phrygian is derived from the 3rd degree of the major scale.
Lydian Mode
Lydian is a bright and airy mode, similar to the major scale but with a raised 4th, giving it a distinctive 'dreamy' or 'floating' quality.
- Derived from the 4th degree of the major scale.
- Formula: W-W-W-H-W-W-H
- Raised 4th (#4) creates a sense of tension and release, often described as ethereal.
- Popular in jazz, progressive rock, and film music.
Example: F Lydian uses the notes of C major but starts on F: F, G, A, B, C, D, E, F.
Lydian features a raised 4th compared to the major scale.
Lydian is favored in jazz, fusion, film scoring, and progressive rock.
Lydian is derived from the 4th degree of the major scale.
Mixolydian Mode
Mixolydian is a major-mode variant with a flattened 7th, giving it a bluesy, dominant quality that’s great for grooves and jams.
- Derived from the 5th degree of the major scale.
- Formula: W-W-H-W-W-H-W
- Characteristic b7 (compared to Ionian) adds a dominant seventh feel.
- Widely used in rock, blues, funk, and gospel.
Example: G Mixolydian uses the notes of C major but starts on G: G, A, B, C, D, E, F, G.
Mixolydian has a flattened 7th compared to Ionian.
Mixolydian is common in rock, blues, funk, and gospel music.
Mixolydian derives from the 5th degree of the major scale.
Aeolian Mode
Aeolian is the natural minor scale, with a serious, somber, and emotional tone. It’s the foundation of most minor-key music.
- Derived from the 6th degree of the major scale.
- Formula: W-H-W-W-H-W-W
- Minor triad sound with natural 6th and 7th (compared to harmonic/melodic minor).
- Used in virtually all genres for minor-key compositions.
Example: A Aeolian uses the notes of C major but starts on A: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A.
Aeolian is also known as the natural minor scale.
Aeolian comes from the 6th degree of the major scale.
Aeolian is commonly used for minor key songs and expressive ballads.
Locrian Mode
Locrian is the most unstable and dissonant mode, starting on the 7th degree of the major scale. It features a flattened 2nd and a diminished 5th, making it sound tense and unresolved.
- Derived from the 7th degree of the major scale.
- Formula: H-W-W-H-W-W-W
- Characteristic diminished 5th (tritone) and minor 2nd create instability.
- Rarely used for melodies; more common in jazz, metal, and experimental music.
Example: B Locrian uses the notes of C major but starts on B: B, C, D, E, F, G, A, B.
Locrian’s flattened 2nd and diminished 5th make it very unstable.
Locrian is mainly used in jazz, metal, and experimental music.
Locrian comes from the 7th degree of the major scale.
Conclusion
The seven modes of the major scale—Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian—each offer unique sonic flavors and emotional palettes, enriching musical expression across genres.
- Modes are derived by starting the major scale on different degrees, changing interval patterns and moods.
- Understanding modes enhances improvisation, composition, and ear training, broadening creative possibilities.
- Each mode has signature intervals that define its characteristic sound and typical musical uses.
Modes are derived from the major scale by shifting the starting note, each with unique intervals, and are used for different tonal colors.
There are 7 primary modes derived from the major scale.
Dorian, Phrygian, Aeolian, and Locrian have minor characteristics.