Names of the Modes
There are seven different modes which can be derived from the major scale by starting on each of the seven notes of the major 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 below.
1. Ionian mode – The Ionian mode is another name for the major scale itself. By starting and ending on the first note of the major scale (C) you can play the Ionian mode.
2. Dorian mode – The Dorian mode starts and ends on the second note of the major scale (in this case D).
3. Phrygian mode – The Phrygian mode starts and ends on the third note of the major scale (in this case E).
4. Lydian mode – The Lydian mode starts and ends on the fourth note of the major scale (in this case F).
5. Mixolydian mode – The Mixolydian mode starts and ends on the fifth note of the major scale (in this case G).
6. Aeolian mode – The Aeolian mode starts and ends on the sixth note of the major scale (in this case A).
7. Locrian mode – The Locrian mode starts and ends on the seventh note of the major scale (in this case B).
Here is an exercise containing all of the modes derived from the major scale. Listen to the sound of each mode against the chords indicated above the music.
Once you know the notes contained within each mode, it is a good idea to practice them over two octaves wherever possible. The following example demonstrates the D dorian mode over two octaves.
