Modes Using The Same Root Note
Next are all previously explained modes. This time however they all start on the same root note. Each mode has its individual characteristics and can be categorized accordingly. Ionian, lydian and mixolydian are the modes with a major sound and all the remaining ones belong to the minor sounding category. They can be distinguished according to their sound color from bright to dark, e.g., lydian being the brightest mode and locrian being the darkest. Sometimes there can be more than one choice of a suitable mode to a given chord, e.g., the lydian and ionian mode both fit to a maj7 chord, however each situation may need to be reviewed individually to make an appropriate decision. The modes that follow are listed from bright to dark, starting with the lydian mode.
Lydian (Major #4)
The lydian mode has the same notes as the major or ionian scale with a sharpened 4th.
Ionian (Major)
The ionian mode has the same intervals as the major scale.
Mixolydian (Major b7)
The mixolydian mode has the same notes as the major scale with a flattened 7th.
Dorian (Minor 6)
The dorian mode is a minor mode with only the 3rd and the 7th being flattened.
Aeolian (Natural Minor)
The aeolian mode is the natural minor scale with the 3rd, 6th and 7th being flattened.
Phrygian (Minor b2)
The phrygian mode has the same notes as the natural minor scale with a flattened 2nd.
Locrian (Minor b2, b5)
The locrian mode has the same notes as the natural minor scale with the 2nd and 5th being flattened. It also could be seen as a phrygian scale with a flattened 5th.
