Modes

Modes are a series of seven musical scales each with their own unique qualities and sound.

These seven scales are all types of diatonic scale which means they have seven notes and have two intervals that are semitones (half steps) and five intervals that are tones (whole steps).

There are seven different modes, and each one is made by playing a major scale starting on a different note. Take a C major scale for example made up of the notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C.

If you were to play these notes in order, but starting on F (F, G, A, B, C, D, E, F) you would actually be playing the scale of the F Lydian mode. Or, if you start on E, you’re playing in the E Phrygian mode.

There are seven different modes of the major scale because you can start the scale on seven different notes. The purple ones are Major modes, and the others are Minor:

Ionian mode

Ionian mode is the same as the major scale. For example, here is C Ionian mode:

As you can see above, it’s exactly the same as C major scale with no sharps or flats.

Its formula is: W – W – H – W – W – W – H.
Dorian mode

A dorian scale is a type of minor scale as it contains an interval of a minor third. To make a dorian mode scale we flatten the 3rd and 7th notes of the scale. A C dorian mode is:

Its formula is: W – H – W – W – W – H – W
Phrygian mode

The Phrygian mode is very recognisable as it contains a minor second interval. Like the dorian scale, it’s also a minor mode as it contains a flattened third.

To build a Phrygian mode we flatten the 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th notes making it a very dark sounding scale. C phrygian mode:

Its formula is: H – W – W – W – H – W – W
Lydian mode

It’s the brightest sounding of the modes. It is like the Ionian mode, except it contains a raised 4th note. To play a Lydian scale we sharpen the 4th note of the scale. C lydian mode:

Its formula is: W – W – W – H – W – W – H
Mixolydian mode

The Mixolydian mode is sometimes called a dominant scale. The only difference between this mode and the Ionian mode is that it has a flattened 7th note. C mixolydian mode:

Its formula is: W – W – H – W – W – H – W
Aeolian mode

It’s the same as the natural minor scale. To build an Aeolian scale we flatten the 3rd, 6th and 7th degrees of the scale. C aeolian mode:

Its formula is: W – H – W – W – H – W – W
Locrian mode

It’s probably the most uncommon mode and isn’t used very often, except in Jazz music. It’s sometimes known as a half diminished scale as its 3rd and 5th notes are flattened.

To make a Locrian scale we flatten the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th notes. C locrian mode:

Its formula is: H – W – W – H – W – W – W