Modal Tonalities
Even though all these modes are derived from the C major scale, it is possible to create sound from some of the modes which are very different to the major scale.
The following example demonstrates a melody created from the D dorian mode. This mode is particularly useful for minor key progressions where the 4 chord is major, as demonstrated in the following example. Notice that the tonality here is nothing like the a major key even though all the notes are contained in the C major scale. This piece would be described as having a modal (in this case, Dorian) tonality.
It is important to practice all the modes with sequences of each interval up to an octave and also to practice improvising with each mode while concentrating on a particular interval. The following example is derived from the D dorian mode and makes extensive use of 4ths.
Every mode has its own characteristic sound. Listen to the Spanish Flamenco type of sound produced by the E Phrygian mode in the following example. Jazz trumpeter Miles Davis makes extensive use of this and other modes on his album "Sketches of Spain". Another Miles Davis album which is essential for all aspiring Jazz players is "Kind of Blue", which features John Coltrane on tenor sax and Julian "Cannonball" Adderley on alto sax. Most of the songs on this album are modal, and feature great improvising by all the musicians.
