Modes
When improvising or writing melodies with a major scale, it is possible to start or finish on any note of the scale, i.e., you don’t have to start on the first degree of the scale. By starting and ending on degrees other than 1, different versions of the scale called modes are created. Seven different modes can be derived from the major scale by starting on each of the seven degrees of the scale. These modes were first used in ancient Greece and have been widely used throughout history in all types of music. They are particularly useful for improvising or composing melodies over chord progressions. The names of the seven modes and their relationship to the major scale are shown here.
Ionian - The Ionian mode is another name for the major scale itself. By starting and ending on the first note of the major scale (in this case C) you can play the Ionian mode.
C Ionian = C D E F G A B C
Dorian - The Dorian mode starts and ends on the second note of the major scale (in this case D).
D Dorian = D E F G A B C D
Phrygian - The Phrygian mode starts and ends on the third note of the major scale (in this case E).
E Phrygian = E F G A B C D E
Lydian - The Lydian mode starts and ends on the fourth note of the major scale (in this case F).
F Lydian = F G A B C D E F
Mixolydian - The Mixolydian mode starts and ends on the fifth note of the major scale (in this case G).
G Mixolydian = G A B C D E F G
Aeolian - The Aeolian mode starts and ends on the sixth note of the major scale (in this case A).
A Aeolian = A B C D E F G A
Locrian - The Locrian mode starts and ends on the seventh note of the major scale (in this case B).
B Locrian = B C D E F G A B
