Conceptualizing Modes
1. Diatonic Approach (Parent Scale)
Modes are rotations of the Major scale. Thinking "from a scale degree" helps identify the key signature. For example, D Dorian is simply the C Major scale starting on D.
2. Parallel Approach (From Do)
Modes are alterations of a Major or Natural Minor scale. This helps identify the "Characteristic Pitch" of the mode (like the #4 in Lydian or the b2 in Phrygian).
Modes from Do (Parallel Approach)
Lydian
Major + #4 (Brightest)
Do Re Mi Fi Sol La Ti Do
1 2 3 #4 5 6 7
Ionian
Major Scale
Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Ti Do
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Mixolydian
Major + b7
Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Te Do
1 2 3 4 5 6 b7
Dorian
Minor + Natural 6
Do Re Me Fa Sol La Te Do
1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Aeolian
Natural Minor Scale
Do Re Me Fa Sol Le Te Do
1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Phrygian
Minor + b2
Do Ra Me Fa Sol Le Te Do
1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Locrian
Minor + b2, b5 (Darkest)
Do Ra Me Fa Se Le Te Do
1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7
Modes from Scale Degree
| Mode | Rotation of Major | Starts on Solfege | Parent Scale (Example) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ionian | I | Do | C Major starting on C |
| Dorian | II | Re | C Major starting on D |
| Phrygian | III | Mi | C Major starting on E |
| Lydian | IV | Fa | C Major starting on F |
| Mixolydian | V | Sol | C Major starting on G |
| Aeolian | VI | La | C Major starting on A |
| Locrian | VII | Ti | C Major starting on B |
Brightness vs. Darkness Spectrum
Brightest
Darkest
LYDIAN
IONIAN
MIXOLYDIAN
DORIAN
AEOLIAN
PHRYGIAN
LOCRIAN