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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