top of page

The major scale has seven modes, each of which starts on a different note of the scale but uses the same set of pitches. These modes are named after ancient Greek tribes and each has its own unique sound and character. Here’s a breakdown of the modes of the major scale:

1. Ionian (Major Scale)

  • Pattern: Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half

  • Degree: 1st mode

  • Example: C Ionian (C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C)

  • Sound: Bright, happy, and stable.

2. Dorian

  • Pattern: Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole

  • Degree: 2nd mode

  • Example: D Dorian (D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D)

  • Sound: Minor with a raised 6th, giving it a slightly brighter, jazzy feel.

3. Phrygian

  • Pattern: Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole

  • Degree: 3rd mode

  • Example: E Phrygian (E, F, G, A, B, C, D, E)

  • Sound: Dark, tense, and exotic, often used in flamenco and metal music.

4. Lydian

  • Pattern: Whole, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half

  • Degree: 4th mode

  • Example: F Lydian (F, G, A, B, C, D, E, F)

  • Sound: Bright and dreamy, due to the raised 4th, often used in film music and jazz.

5. Mixolydian

  • Pattern: Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole

  • Degree: 5th mode

  • Example: G Mixolydian (G, A, B, C, D, E, F, G)

  • Sound: Major but with a bluesy edge due to the flat 7th, common in rock and blues.

6. Aeolian (Natural Minor Scale)

  • Pattern: Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole

  • Degree: 6th mode

  • Example: A Aeolian (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A)

  • Sound: Dark and somber, the natural minor scale is a go-to for expressing melancholy.

7. Locrian

  • Pattern: Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole

  • Degree: 7th mode

  • Example: B Locrian (B, C, D, E, F, G, A, B)

  • Sound: Highly unstable and dissonant, often used to create tension, particularly over diminished chords.

Summary

  • Ionian: Bright and stable (major scale).

  • Dorian: Minor with a bright twist.

  • Phrygian: Dark and exotic.

  • Lydian: Bright and otherworldly.

  • Mixolydian: Major with a bluesy feel.

  • Aeolian: Dark and somber (natural minor scale).

  • Locrian: Dissonant and unstable.

These modes offer a variety of tonal flavors and can be used to evoke different emotions and atmospheres in music.

bottom of page