Modes
As previously mentioned, 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 C major scale are shown here.
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 C major scale.
Once you know the notes contained within each mode, it is a good idea to practice them over two octaves wherever possible. This becomes easier when modes are applied to movable fingerings (see Section 2) but it is also possible for some of the modes in the open position. The following example shows the E Phrygian mode shown in two octaves. Notice that this involves all the natural notes in the open position.
Once you are comfortable with each octave of a mode, try putting them together. Here is the F Lydian mode in two octaves played separately and then consecutively.
This next example shows the G Mixolydian mode played over two octaves.
