Understand Modes

What is a Mode?

The easiest (or simplest) way to think of a mode is to just think of each mode as a new scale built on a degree of an existing Major scale.

Mode Formulas and Characteristics

Ionian

• Ionian is synonymous with the Major Scale. They are one and the same.

• Can use Major Pentatonic on the same root.

• Ionian is a happy and bright scale. Pop, Rock, Country Music, etc.

C Major/Ionian Scale: C D E F G A B C

Dorian

• Dorian is a minor type scale.

• It is the 2nd mode in every key.

• Can use minor pentatonic on the same root.

• Dorian contains a lowered 3rd and 7th degree from its Major parent scale.

• Dorian is somewhat dark and bluesy. Latin, Blues & Rock.

C Dorian - C D Eb F G A Bb

Phrygian

• Phrygian is a minor type scale.

• It is the 3rd mode in every key.

• Can use minor pentatonic on same root.

• Phrygian contains a lowered 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th from its parent major.

• Very dark, almost Spanish sounding, exotic. Flamenco, Metal, Prog.

C Phrygian - C Dd Eb F G Ab Bb C

Lydian

• Lydian is a Major type scale

• It is the 4th mode in every key.

• Can use the Major Pentatonic on the same root.

• Lydian’s only change from its parent Major (Ionian) is the raised 4th.

• Airy, dreamy quality. 

C Lydian - C D E F# G A B C 

Mixolydian

• Mixolydian is a Major type scale.

• It is the 5th mode of every key.

• Can use the Major pentatonic on the same root.

• Mixolydian contains a lowered 7th from its parent major.

• Jazzy, Bluesy, more depth than Ionian.

C Mixolydian - C D E F G A Bb C
Aeolian

• Aeolian is a minor type scale. It is the relative or natural minor of every key.

• It is the 6th mode of every key.

• Can use the minor pentatonic and Blues Scale on same root.

• Aeolian contains a lowered 3rd, 6th, and 7th from its parent major.

• Darker than Dorian, not as dark as Phrygian. Works well in Blues, Rock & Metal.

C Aeolian - C D Eb F G Ab Bb C

Locrian

• Locrian is a minor type scale. Can also be thought of as diminished.

• It is the 7th mode of every key.

• Pentatonic Major and minor scales do NOT work on the 7th root.

• Locrian has a lowered 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 7th.

• Very dark!

C Locrian - C Db Eb F Gb Ab Bb C

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