Modes are musical scales derived from the major scale, each with a unique interval pattern and sound. They shape the mood and feel of music across various genres. Understanding modes is crucial for musicians, as they provide a foundation for composition, improvisation, and analysis.

From the ancient Greeks to modern jazz, modes have evolved and influenced music throughout history. Each mode, whether major or minor, has distinct characteristics that affect chord progressions, melodies, and overall musical expression. Exploring modes opens up new possibilities for creativity and musical understanding.

Definition of modes

• Modes are different musical scales that are derived from the major scale by starting on different degrees of the scale
• Each mode has a unique interval pattern and sound that contributes to the overall mood and feeling of a piece of music
• Understanding modes is essential for musicianship as they are used in a wide variety of musical genres and styles

Major vs minor modes

• Major modes (Ionian, Lydian, Mixolydian) have a brighter, happier sound due to the major third interval between the first and third scale degrees
• Minor modes (Dorian, Phrygian, Aeolian, Locrian) have a darker, more melancholic sound due to the minor third interval between the first and third scale degrees
• The major or minor quality of a mode is determined by the third scale degree, which sets the overall tone for the mode

Historical origins of modes

• Modes originated in ancient Greek music theory, with each mode associated with a particular region or tribe (Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Locrian)
• In medieval church music, modes were used as the basis for Gregorian chant and other liturgical music
• The use of modes declined in the Baroque and Classical eras with the rise of functional harmony, but experienced a resurgence in the 20th century with the advent of modal jazz and other styles

Ionian mode

Ionian scale structure

• The Ionian mode is built on the first degree of the major scale and has the same interval pattern as the major scale (W-W-H-W-W-W-H)
• The Ionian mode consists of the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, B when starting on C
• The Ionian mode is the most commonly used mode in Western music and is often referred to as the major scale

Ionian chord progressions

• The Ionian mode is associated with the I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, and vii° chords in a given key
• Common chord progressions in the Ionian mode include I-IV-V, I-vi-IV-V, and I-ii-V
• The Ionian mode is often used for uplifting and positive chord progressions due to its major sound

Examples in classical music

• Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" is a famous example of a piece in the Ionian mode
• Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" from his 9th Symphony is another well-known example of the Ionian mode in classical music

Examples in popular music

• The Beatles' "Let It Be" is a popular example of a song in the Ionian mode
• Pharrell Williams' "Happy" is another contemporary example of a song that uses the bright, uplifting sound of the Ionian mode

Dorian mode

Dorian scale structure

• The Dorian mode is built on the second degree of the major scale and has the interval pattern W-H-W-W-W-H-W
• The Dorian mode consists of the notes D, E, F, G, A, B, C when starting on D
• The Dorian mode is a minor mode with a raised sixth scale degree, giving it a slightly brighter sound than the natural minor scale

Dorian chord progressions

• The Dorian mode is associated with the i, ii, III, IV, v, vi°, and VII chords in a given key
• Common chord progressions in the Dorian mode include i-IV-v, i-VII-IV, and i-ii-v
• The Dorian mode is often used for more melancholic and introspective chord progressions due to its minor sound with a raised sixth degree

Examples in classical music

• Bach's "Air on the G String" is a well-known example of a piece in the Dorian mode
• Chopin's "Prelude in E Minor" (Op. 28, No. 4) is another example of the Dorian mode in classical music

Examples in popular music

• The Police's "Roxanne" is a popular example of a song in the Dorian mode
• Santana's "Oye Como Va" is another example of a song that uses the Dorian mode for its minor sound with a Latin flavor

Phrygian mode

Phrygian scale structure

• The Phrygian mode is built on the third degree of the major scale and has the interval pattern H-W-W-W-H-W-W
• The Phrygian mode consists of the notes E, F, G, A, B, C, D when starting on E
• The Phrygian mode is a minor mode with a lowered second scale degree, giving it a distinctive "Spanish" or "Middle Eastern" sound

Phrygian chord progressions

• The Phrygian mode is associated with the i, II, III, iv, v°, VI, and vii chords in a given key
• Common chord progressions in the Phrygian mode include i-II-III, i-iv-VII, and i-vii-VI
• The Phrygian mode is often used for flamenco and Middle Eastern-inspired chord progressions due to its lowered second degree

Examples in classical music

• Liszt's "Spanish Rhapsody" features sections in the Phrygian mode to evoke a Spanish flavor
• Rimsky-Korsakov's "Capriccio Espagnol" also uses the Phrygian mode to create a Spanish-inspired sound

Examples in popular music

• Dick Dale's "Misirlou" is a famous example of a song in the Phrygian mode with a Middle Eastern sound
• System of a Down's "Toxicity" is another example of a song that uses the Phrygian mode for its distinctive sound

Lydian mode

Lydian scale structure

• The Lydian mode is built on the fourth degree of the major scale and has the interval pattern W-W-W-H-W-W-H
• The Lydian mode consists of the notes F, G, A, B, C, D, E when starting on F
• The Lydian mode is a major mode with a raised fourth scale degree, giving it a bright and uplifting sound

Lydian chord progressions

• The Lydian mode is associated with the I, II, iii, #iv°, V, vi, and vii chords in a given key
• Common chord progressions in the Lydian mode include I-II-V, I-#iv°-V, and I-vi-II-V
• The Lydian mode is often used for dreamy and ethereal chord progressions due to its raised fourth degree

Examples in classical music

• Debussy's "Clair de Lune" features sections in the Lydian mode to create a dreamy atmosphere
• Chopin's "Etude Op. 10, No. 5" also uses the Lydian mode to create a bright and uplifting sound

Examples in popular music

• The Flaming Lips' "Do You Realize??" is an example of a song that uses the Lydian mode for its dreamy sound
• The Smashing Pumpkins' "Tonight, Tonight" is another example of a song that uses the Lydian mode for its bright and uplifting qualities

Mixolydian mode

Mixolydian scale structure

• The Mixolydian mode is built on the fifth degree of the major scale and has the interval pattern W-W-H-W-W-H-W
• The Mixolydian mode consists of the notes G, A, B, C, D, E, F when starting on G
• The Mixolydian mode is a major mode with a lowered seventh scale degree, giving it a bluesy and rock-inspired sound

Mixolydian chord progressions

• The Mixolydian mode is associated with the I, ii, iii°, IV, v, vi, and VII chords in a given key
• Common chord progressions in the Mixolydian mode include I-VII-IV, I-v-IV, and I-ii-v
• The Mixolydian mode is often used for rock and blues-inspired chord progressions due to its lowered seventh degree

Examples in classical music

• Vaughan Williams' "Fantasia on Greensleeves" features sections in the Mixolydian mode to evoke a folk-like sound
• Holst's "Jupiter" from "The Planets" also uses the Mixolydian mode to create a grand and majestic sound

Examples in popular music

• The Beatles' "Norwegian Wood" is a well-known example of a song in the Mixolydian mode
• The Allman Brothers Band's "Jessica" is another example of a song that uses the Mixolydian mode for its bluesy and rock-inspired sound

Aeolian mode

Aeolian scale structure

• The Aeolian mode is built on the sixth degree of the major scale and has the interval pattern W-H-W-W-H-W-W
• The Aeolian mode consists of the notes A, B, C, D, E, F, G when starting on A
• The Aeolian mode is a minor mode that is equivalent to the natural minor scale, giving it a dark and melancholic sound

Aeolian chord progressions

• The Aeolian mode is associated with the i, ii°, III, iv, v, VI, and VII chords in a given key
• Common chord progressions in the Aeolian mode include i-iv-VII, i-VI-III-VII, and i-iv-v
• The Aeolian mode is often used for sad and introspective chord progressions due to its minor sound

Examples in classical music

• Bach's "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor" is a famous example of a piece in the Aeolian mode
• Mozart's "Requiem" also uses the Aeolian mode to create a somber and mournful sound

Examples in popular music

• The Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black" is a well-known example of a song in the Aeolian mode
• Radiohead's "Creep" is another example of a song that uses the Aeolian mode for its dark and introspective sound

Locrian mode

Locrian scale structure

• The Locrian mode is built on the seventh degree of the major scale and has the interval pattern H-W-W-H-W-W-W
• The Locrian mode consists of the notes B, C, D, E, F, G, A when starting on B
• The Locrian mode is a minor mode with a lowered second and fifth scale degree, giving it a dissonant and unstable sound

Locrian chord progressions

• The Locrian mode is associated with the i°, II, iii, iv, V, VI, and vii chords in a given key
• Common chord progressions in the Locrian mode include i°-iv-VII, i°-III-VII, and i°-II-V
• The Locrian mode is rarely used for traditional chord progressions due to its dissonant and unstable sound

Examples in classical music

• Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" features sections in the Locrian mode to create a sense of tension and dissonance
• Bartók's "Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta" also uses the Locrian mode to create an eerie and unsettling sound

Examples in popular music

• Björk's "Army of Me" is an example of a song that uses the Locrian mode for its dissonant and aggressive sound
• Tool's "Sober" is another example of a song that uses the Locrian mode for its dark and unsettling qualities

Modes in composition

Emotional qualities of modes

• Each mode has a unique emotional quality that can be used to create a specific mood or atmosphere in a composition
• Major modes (Ionian, Lydian, Mixolydian) are often associated with positive emotions such as happiness, joy, and optimism
• Minor modes (Dorian, Phrygian, Aeolian, Locrian) are often associated with negative emotions such as sadness, melancholy, and tension

Combining modes in composition

• Composers can create interesting and complex compositions by combining different modes within a single piece
• Modulating between different modes can create a sense of movement and development in a composition
• Using modes with contrasting emotional qualities can create a sense of tension and release in a composition

Modal interchange techniques

• Modal interchange involves borrowing chords from parallel modes to create interesting harmonic progressions
• For example, a composer could use a chord from the parallel minor mode in a major key composition to create a sense of tension or contrast
• Modal interchange can be used to create smooth modulations between different keys or modes

Modes in improvisation

Improvising with modal scales

• Modal scales can be used as a basis for improvisation in a variety of musical styles
• Improvising with modal scales involves playing notes from the scale over a static chord or drone
• Modal improvisation allows for greater freedom and creativity than traditional chord-based improvisation

Modal improvisation techniques

• Techniques for modal improvisation include playing around the tonic note, emphasizing the characteristic notes of the mode, and using sequencing and repetition
• Improvising with modes often involves creating a sense of tension and release by playing "outside" the scale and resolving back to the tonic
• Modal improvisation can also involve playing with the rhythmic and melodic elements of the mode to create interesting and expressive phrases

Incorporating modes in jazz improvisation

• Modes are an essential part of jazz improvisation and are used extensively in modal jazz and other styles
• Jazz musicians often use modes as a basis for improvisation over static chord progressions or vamps
• Incorporating modes in jazz improvisation involves playing the characteristic notes of the mode, using chromaticism and altered notes, and creating interesting rhythmic and melodic phrases

Ear training with modes

Identifying modes by ear

• Developing the ability to identify modes by ear is an important skill for musicians and can help with improvisation and composition
• Identifying modes by ear involves recognizing the unique interval patterns and characteristic notes of each mode
• Practicing identifying modes by ear can involve listening to modal compositions and trying to identify the mode being used

Singing modal scales and melodies

• Singing modal scales and melodies is an effective way to internalize the sound and feel of each mode
• Practicing singing modal scales can help with ear training and developing a sense of pitch and intonation
• Singing modal melodies can also help with developing phrasing and expression in improvisation and composition

Transcribing modal music

• Transcribing modal music involves notating the notes and rhythms of a modal composition or improvisation
• Transcribing modal music can help with developing ear training skills and understanding the melodic and harmonic elements of each mode
• Practicing transcribing modal music can also help with developing skills in composition and improvisation by analyzing the techniques and approaches used by other musicians.