MODES - SCALES
Ionian
Starting on the 1st scale degree, this mode is the same as a major scale. It
has the same W W H W W W H (whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole,
half) pattern. The naturally occurring half steps of this mode are between the
3rd & 4th and 7th & 8th scale degrees.
Dorian
The Dorian mode starts on the second scale degree of the major scale, which
changes the pattern to W H W W W H W. The naturally occurring half steps
are between the 2nd & 3rd and 6th & 7th scale degrees. For ear training
purposes, think of this mode as a natural minor scale with a raised 6th.
Phrygian
The Phrygian mode begins on the 3rd scale degree of the major scale, and
the naturally occurring half steps are between the 1st & 2nd and 5th & 6th
scale degrees. The pattern is H W W W H W W. Think of this mode as a
natural minor scale with a flatted 2nd.
Lydian
Starting on the 4th scale degree, the Lydian mode's naturally occurring half
steps are between the 4th & 5th and 7th & 8th scale degrees. Its pattern is W
W W H W W H. For ear training purposes, think of this scale as a major scale
with a raised 4th.
Mixolydian
The Mixolydian mode begins on the 5th scale degree of the major scale, and
the naturally occurring half steps are between the 3rd & 4th and 6th & 7th
scale degrees of a major scale. Its pattern is W W H W W H W. Think of this
as a major scale with a flatted 7th.
Aeolian
The Aeolian scale begins on the 6th scale degree of the major scale and is
also known as a natural minor scale. It's naturally occurring half steps are
between the 2nd & 3rd and 5th & 6th scale degrees, and its pattern is W H W
W H W W.
Locrian
This mode starts on the 7th scale degree of a major scale. Its pattern is H W
W H W W W. Its naturally occurring half steps are between the 1st & 2nd and
4th & 5th scale degrees. For ear training purposes, think of it as starting and
ending on the leading tone of a major scale.
TEST
1. Between which scale degrees do the half steps naturally occur in Ionian mode?
A. 3 & 4, 7 & 8
B. 2 & 3, 6 & 7
C. 1 & 2, 5 & 6
D. 2 & 3, 5 & 6
2. A major scale is in what mode?
A. Aeolian
B. Ionian
C. Dorian
D. Lydian
3. Which mode begins on the 2nd scale degree?
A. Locrian
B. Ionian
C. Dorian
D. Phrygian
4. What mode begins on the 6th scale degree?
A. Phrygian
B. Mixolydian
C. Ionian
D. Aeolian
5. On what scale degree does the Locrian mode begin?
A. 1st
B. 4th
C. 6th
D. 7th
6. A minor scale starts on what scale degree?
A. 2nd
B. 4th
C. 6th
D. 8th
7. A natural minor scale is in what mode?
A. Lydian
B. Dorian
C. Ionian
D. Aeolian
8. On what scale degree does the Mixolydian mode begin?
A. 4th
B. 5th
C. 6th
D. 7th
9. What mode has naturally occurring half steps between the 3rd & 4th and 7th & 8th
scale degrees?
A. Ionian
B. Dorian
C. Lydian
D. Mixolydian
10. What mode has naturally occurring half steps between the 3rd & 4th and 6th & 7th
scale degrees?
A. Ionian
B. Dorian
C. Lydian
D. Mixolydian
11. What mode begins on the 4th scale degree?
A. Ionian
B. Dorian
C. Lydian
D. Mixolydian
12. What mode on the leading tone of the major scale?
A. Ionian
B. Aeolian
C. Lydian
D. Locrian
13. What mode begins on the 3rd scale degree?
A. Locrian
B. Phrygian
C. Dorian
D. Lydian
14. What mode has naturally occurring half steps between the 1st & 2nd and 4th & 5th
scale degrees?
A. Locrian
B. Phrygian
C. Dorian
D. Lydian
15. What mode has naturally occurring half steps between the 4th & 5th and 7th & 8th
scale degrees?
A. Locrian
B. Phrygian
C. Dorian
D. Lydian
EXERCISES
Play or sing the following exercise
NOTE: Notice that the ascending modes start on the tonic, and the
descending modes start on the 3rd above the tonic.
Depending on your instrument this exercise might push you past your range,
so feel free to drop down an octave when you have to.
Come up with your own pattern to apply to the modes. There are a lot of
different combinations to try.
CHORDS
Build chords by grades in each one of the modes starting on C (do)
Ionian
Dorian
Phrygian
Lydian
Mixolidian
Aeolian
Locrian
ARPEGGIOS
Build arpeggios by grades in each one of the modes starting on C (do)
Ionian
Dorian
Phrygian
Lydian
Mixolidian
Aeolian
Locrian
MODE CHANGE
Change the mode of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star from its original Ionian to all
the other modes: Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian,
starting on C (do).
Dorian
Phrygian
Lydian
Mixolydian
Aeolian
Locrian
