The modes of the major scale are derived by starting the major scale from each of its seven different degrees, creating unique patterns and tonalities for each mode. Each mode has its own distinctive sequence of whole and half steps, which gives it a characteristic sound and emotional quality.
- Modes are scales formed by shifting the starting point of the major scale.
- Each mode has a unique pattern of intervals and a distinct sound.
- There are seven modes, corresponding to the seven degrees of the major scale.
There are seven modes derived from the major scale.
| Mode | Starting Degree | Mode Name | Formula (W=Whole, H=Half) | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Ionian | W-W-H-W-W-W-H | Major scale |
| 2 | 2 | Dorian | W-H-W-W-W-H-W | Minor with a raised 6th |
| 3 | 3 | Phrygian | H-W-W-W-H-W-W | Minor with a flat 2 |
| 4 | 4 | Lydian | W-W-W-H-W-W-H | Major with a #4 |
| 5 | 5 | Mixolydian | W-W-H-W-W-H-W | Major with a flat 7 |
| 6 | 6 | Aeolian | W-H-W-W-H-W-W | Natural minor |
| 7 | 7 | Locrian | H-W-W-H-W-W-W | Minor with a flat 2 & 5 |
The Aeolian mode is the natural minor scale.
Lydian is characterized by a raised 4th (♯4).
Phrygian is often associated with a 'Spanish' or 'exotic' sound.
Example: C Major Scale Modes
Starting from each degree of the C major scale (C D E F G A B), you get:
| Mode | Starting Note | Mode Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Ionian) | C | Ionian | C D E F G A B |
| 2 (Dorian) | D | Dorian | D E F G A B C |
| 3 (Phrygian) | E | Phrygian | E F G A B C D |
| 4 (Lydian) | F | Lydian | F G A B C D E |
| 5 (Mixolydian) | G | Mixolydian | G A B C D E F |
| 6 (Aeolian) | A | Aeolian | A B C D E F G |
| 7 (Locrian) | B | Locrian | B C D E F G A |
The Mixolydian mode starts on the 5th degree of the major scale.
Dorian mode from the C major scale is D E F G A B C.
Dorian, Phrygian, and Aeolian are considered minor modes.
Modes and Their Emotional Colors
Each mode expresses a different mood:
- Ionian: Bright, happy, stable (major).
- Dorian: Smooth, jazzy, slightly mysterious (minor with a twist).
- Phrygian: Dark, exotic, tense (minor with a flat 2).
- Lydian: Dreamy, airy, uplifting (major with a raised 4th).
- Mixolydian: Bluesy, funky, dominant (major with a flat 7).
- Aeolian: Melancholic, natural minor.
- Locrian: Dissonant, unstable (minor with flat 2 and flat 5).
Lydian is often used for a dreamy or ethereal sound.
Mixolydian is associated with bluesy, funky, and dominant moods.
All seven modes (Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Locrian) are known as church modes.
Conclusion
The major scale modes reveal the rich, diverse palette hidden within a single set of notes, each offering unique sounds and emotional textures for creative music-making.
- There are seven modes, each starting on a different note of the major scale and producing a unique sound.
- Modes can be major, minor, or exotic, providing diverse emotional and tonal possibilities.
- Understanding modes enhances musical expression and opens new creative pathways.