Modes & Advanced Scales
The seven modes of the major scale each have a unique character. Modes are used extensively in jazz, film scores, video game music, and modern pop. This week you will learn to build and hear all seven.
Learning Goals
Lesson Content
The Seven Modes
Each mode starts on a different degree of the major scale and has its own intervallic pattern:
- Ionian (1st degree): The major scale itself. Bright and happy. (C-D-E-F-G-A-B)
- Dorian (2nd degree): Minor with a raised 6th. Jazzy, soulful. (D-E-F-G-A-B-C)
- Phrygian (3rd degree): Minor with a lowered 2nd. Spanish, exotic. (E-F-G-A-B-C-D)
- Lydian (4th degree): Major with a raised 4th. Dreamy, floating. (F-G-A-B-C-D-E)
- Mixolydian (5th degree): Major with a lowered 7th. Bluesy, rock. (G-A-B-C-D-E-F)
- Aeolian (6th degree): The natural minor scale. Dark, melancholic. (A-B-C-D-E-F-G)
- Locrian (7th degree): Diminished, unstable. Rarely used as a key center. (B-C-D-E-F-G-A)
Hearing the Differences
The easiest way to hear modes: play all seven starting from the same root note (e.g., all starting from C). Each one uses a different set of sharps and flats, revealing its unique color.
Modes in Practice
Dorian is the most common mode in jazz and funk. Mixolydian appears in blues, rock, and country. Lydian is a favorite of film composers for its magical quality.
Practice Activities
Activity 1: Play All Seven Modes
On the Synthesizer, play each mode using the white keys of C major (start on C, then D, then E, etc.). Listen to how the character changes even though you are using the same notes. Then try playing Dorian and Mixolydian from the same root to hear the contrast directly.
Activity 2: Scale Identification — Advanced
Move to Advanced difficulty in the Scale Identification game. This includes modes. Focus on telling Dorian apart from Aeolian (natural minor) — the raised 6th is the key difference.
Activity 3: Modal Improvisation
Set the Metronome to 100 BPM. Improvise a melody using only D Dorian (D-E-F-G-A-B-C, all white keys from D). Focus on the natural 6th (B) which gives Dorian its distinctive sound.
Activity 4: Scale Reading — Advanced
Move to Advanced difficulty in the Scale Reading game. Read modal scales and complex patterns on the staff. Can you identify the mode from the notation alone?