Modes

In the Key Signatures tutorial, I mentioned the whole and half step pattern of a major scale and how that relates to key signature changes. In this tutorial, we will discuss modes and how that pattern changes with the modes.

Each mode starts on a different scale degree of the major scale. Notice that the images below are all in the key of C Major; therefore, all of the naturally occurring half steps are between E & F and B & C.

Ionian

Starting on the 1st scale degree, this mode is the same as a major scale. It has the same W W H W W W H (whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half) pattern. The naturally occuring half steps of this mode are between the 3rd & 4th and 7th & 8th scale degrees.

Dorian

The dorian mode starts on the second scale degree of the major scale, which changes the pattern to W H W W W H W. The naturally occuring half steps are between the 2nd & 3rd and 6th & 7th scale degrees. For ear training purposes, think of this mode as a natural minor scale with a raised 6th.

Phrygian

The phrygian mode begins on the 3rd scale degree of the major scale, and the naturally occurring half steps are between the 1st & 2nd and 5th & 6th scale degrees. The pattern is H W W W H W W. Think of this mode as a natural minor scale with a flatted 2nd.

Lydian

Starting on the 4th scale degree, the lydian mode's naturally occurring half steps are between the 4th & 5th and 7th & 8th scale degrees. It's pattern is W W W H W W H. For ear training purposes, think of this scale as a major scale with a raised 4th.

Mixolydian

The mixolydian mode begins on the 5th scale degree of the major scale, and the naturally occurring half steps are between the 3rd & 4th and 6th & 7th scale degrees of a major scale. It's pattern is W W H W W H W. Think of this as a major scale with a flatted 7th.

Aeolian

The aeolian scale begins on the 6th scale degree of the major scale and is also known as a natural minor scale. It's naturally occurring half steps are between the 2nd & 3rd and 5th & 6th scale degrees, and it's pattern is W H W W H W W.

Locrian

This mode starts on the 7th scale degree of a major scale. It's pattern is H W W H W W W. It's naturally occurring half steps are between the 1st & 2nd and 4th & 5th scale degrees. For ear training purposes, think of it as starting and ending on the leading tone of a major scale.