This article will take you through the basics of what modes are, and answer the following questions.
What are modes? How many different modes are there?
In this article we'll answer these questions, so follow along!
What are modes?
The different modes are all scales that come from a parent scale.
These modes all start on a different note from within the parent scale.
For instance, in the C Major scale the C major dorian mode starts on D.
How many different modes are there?
In this article we'll be focusing on the major modes. In the major scale
there are seven different modes:
- Ionian(Major Scale)
- Dorian
- Phrygian
- Lydian
- Mixolydian
- Aeolian
- Locrian
Like we mentioned, these modes differ based on where in the
parent scale they start. This changes the sound of the mode, making each one unique.
What is an example of the notes in a given mode?
Here's an example. The parent scale is the C Major scale, and the mode in
question is the C Dorian Mode. The notes in the C Major scale are: C, D, E, F, G, A, B.
The notes in the C Major Dorian Mode are: D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb, C.
If you're looking for a detailed breakdown of each mode, we have links to all of them right here:
- Ionian(Major Scale)
- Dorian
- Phrygian
- Lydian
- Mixolydian
- Aeolian
- Locrian
