Unlock the Major Modes
Explore the seven unique flavors derived from the C Major scale.
What Are Modes?
Modes are simply different "versions" of a scale, created by starting on each of its notes while keeping the same set of notes. Think of the C Major scale as the parent, and each mode is its child, with a unique personality. Knowing these modes will dramatically expand your melodic and harmonic vocabulary.
While the examples below use the **C Major scale** as a reference, remember that these modal relationships apply to **any major scale in any key**. The patterns remain the same, just shifted to a different starting note.
The Seven Major Scale Modes
1. Ionian Mode (C Ionian)
The Standard Major
This is simply the **Major Scale** itself. It's the brightest and most common scale, forming the basis of Western music. It sounds happy and resolved.
Intervals:
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7
Notes (from C):
C - D - E - F - G - A - B
2. Dorian Mode (D Dorian)
The Jazzy Minor
A minor mode (minor 3rd and 7th) with a **Major 6th**. This bright 6th gives it a sophisticated, slightly uplifting, and jazzy feel. Great for funk and fusion.
Intervals:
1 - 2 - b3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - b7
Notes (from D):
D - E - F - G - A - B - C
3. Phrygian Mode (E Phrygian)
The Spanish/Exotic Minor
A minor mode with a defining **Minor 2nd**. This creates a dark, tense, and exotic sound often heard in Spanish, flamenco, or metal music.
Intervals:
1 - b2 - b3 - 4 - 5 - b6 - b7
Notes (from E):
E - F - G - A - B - C - D
4. Lydian Mode (F Lydian)
The Dreamy Major
A major mode with a **Augmented 4th (or #4)**. This raised 4th gives it a bright, ethereal, and "dreamy" quality, often used in film scores and jazz.
Intervals:
1 - 2 - 3 - #4 - 5 - 6 - 7
Notes (from F):
F - G - A - B - C - D - E
5. Mixolydian Mode (G Mixolydian)
The Dominant Mode
A major mode with a **Minor 7th**. This makes it the sound of dominant 7th chords, very common in blues, rock, and jazz. It has a "bluesy" or "gritty" major feel.
Intervals:
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - b7
Notes (from G):
G - A - B - C - D - E - F
6. Aeolian Mode (A Aeolian)
The Natural Minor
This is the **Natural Minor Scale**. It's the most common minor scale, often associated with sad, serious, or melancholic emotions in music.
Intervals:
1 - 2 - b3 - 4 - 5 - b6 - b7
Notes (from A):
A - B - C - D - E - F - G
7. Locrian Mode (B Locrian)
The Unstable Mode
This mode is rarely used melodically due to its **Minor 2nd** and **Diminished 5th**. It creates a very dissonant, unstable, and unsettling sound, often avoided in traditional harmony.
Intervals:
1 - b2 - b3 - 4 - b5 - b6 - b7
Notes (from B):
B - C - D - E - F - G - A
Test Your Mode Knowledge!
Mastering the Modal Landscape
Each mode offers a unique emotional and harmonic palette. While they all share the same "parent" scale, their starting point and characteristic intervals give them distinct personalities. Experiment with these sounds to bring new depth and flavor to your playing!
