01/07/2025
In music, modes are types of scales that are derived from the major scale. They have distinct sounds and characteristics depending on which note of the scale is used as the starting point. The most common modes are based on the seven notes of the major scale but begin on different degrees of that scale.
Here’s a breakdown of the seven modes and how they are built:
1. Ionian Mode (Major Scale)
Formula: W-W-H-W-W-W-H (W = whole step, H = half step)
Example: C Ionian (C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C) is just the C major scale.
Sound: Bright and happy.
2. Dorian Mode
Formula: W-H-W-W-W-H-W
Example: D Dorian (D-E-F-G-A-B-C-D) is the C major scale starting from D.
Sound: Minor feel but brighter than the natural minor scale.
3. Phrygian Mode
Formula: H-W-W-W-H-W-W
Example: E Phrygian (E-F-G-A-B-C-D-E) is the C major scale starting from E.
Sound: Dark, exotic, and Spanish-like.
4. Lydian Mode
Formula: W-W-W-H-W-W-H
Example: F Lydian (F-G-A-B-C-D-E-F) is the C major scale starting from F.
Sound: Dreamy, bright, and almost "floating."
5. Mixolydian Mode
Formula: W-W-H-W-W-H-W
Example: G Mixolydian (G-A-B-C-D-E-F-G) is the C major scale starting from G.
Sound: Bluesy, with a dominant 7th chord flavor.
6. Aeolian Mode (Natural Minor Scale)
Formula: W-H-W-W-H-W-W
Example: A Aeolian (A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A) is the C major scale starting from A.
Sound: Dark, sad, and melancholic.
7. Locrian Mode
Formula: H-W-W-H-W-W-W
Example: B Locrian (B-C-D-E-F-G-A-B) is the C major scale starting from B.
Sound: Dissonant and unstable, often not used much in classical music.
How to apply modes on the piano:
1. Start with a Major Scale: Pick any major scale (C major is a good starting point) to use as your base.
2. Identify the Root of the Mode: Decide which mode you want to use, and start on the corresponding note of the major scale.
For example, for Dorian mode, start on the second note of the major scale (e.g., D in C major).
For Phrygian mode, start on the third note of the scale