What Is A Mode?
Modes were used to organize the melodic and harmonic elements of music in the
Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. You can think of modes as scales which use
the white keys of the piano. The Ionian mode (same as the major scale) uses the
white keys from C to C. The six remaining modes also use the white keys but
start on different notes. For example the Dorian mode uses the white keys from
D to D.
During the 17th to the late 19th Century, the modes were not commonly used,
being replaced by the major and minor scales. Modes are often heard in music
today.
Ionian
Ionian mode starts on the first scale degree of a major scale and ascends an
octave.
The Ionian mode is the same as a major scale.
Dorian
Dorian mode starts on the second scale degree of a major scale and ascends an
octave.
Dorian mode is the same as a natural minor scale with a raised sixth note.
Phrygian
Phrygian mode starts on the third scale degree of a major scale and ascends an
octave.
The Phrygian mode is the same as a natural minor scale with a lowered second
note.
Lydian
Lydian mode starts on the fourth scale degree of a major scale and ascends an
octave.
The Lydian mode is the same as a major scale with a raised fourth note.
Mixolydian
Mixolydian mode starts on the fifth scale degree of a major scale and ascends
an octave.
The Mixolydian mode is the same as a major scale with a lowered seventh note.
Aeolian
Aeolian mode starts on the sixth scale degree of a major scale and ascends an
octave.
The Aeolian mode is the same as a natural minor scale.
Locrian
Locrian mode starts on the seventh scale degree of a major scale and ascends an
octave.
The Locrian mode is the same as a natural minor scale with lowered second and
fifth notes.
Transposed Modes
It is easy to think of modes using the white keys of the piano, but they can be
transposed to any of the 12 chromatic pitches.
Table of Modes
Table of Modes
|
Major Scale
Starting Note
|
Mode Name
|
1st
|
Ionian Mode
|
2nd
|
Dorian Mode
|
3rd
|
Phrygian Mode
|
4th
|
Lydian Mode
|
5th
|
Mixolydian Mode
|
6th
|
Aelian Mode
|
7th
|
Locrian Mode
|
Modes - Relation To Major
The Ionian, Lydian, and Mixolydian modes are closely related to the major
scale.
Modal scales can begin on any of the 12 chromatic pitches, provided they follow
the pattern of whole and half steps for that mode.
Modes - Relation To Minor
The Aeolian, Dorian, Phrygian and Locrian modes are closely related to the
Natural minor scale.
Modal scales can begin on any of the 12 chromatic pitches, provided they follow
the pattern of whole and half steps for that mode.