Church Modes
Definition
Church modes are scales that were used during the medieval and Renaissance periods of music. They have unique patterns of whole steps and half steps, different from major and minor scales.
Analogy
Think of church modes as ancient recipes for music. Just like how traditional family recipes have been passed down through generations, church modes were used by composers in religious settings for centuries.
Related terms
Mixolydian Mode: The Mixolydian mode is one of the church modes. It has a major sound with a lowered seventh scale degree, giving it a bluesy flavor.
Phrygian Mode: The Phrygian mode is another church mode. It has a Spanish or exotic sound due to its lowered second scale degree.
Lydian Mode: The Lydian mode is yet another church mode. It has an ethereal and dreamy quality because of its raised fourth scale degree.
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