8.1 The Church Modes

What modes are

Modes are seven-note scales, each a rotation of the major scale starting on a different degree. Playing only the white keys from D to D gives Dorian; from E to E gives Phrygian.

The seven modes

Ionian (= major), Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian (= natural minor), Locrian. Each has a distinct pattern of whole and half steps.

Modal color

Modes give distinctive colors: Lydian has a raised 4th (bright); Mixolydian a lowered 7th; Dorian a raised 6th within a minor sound. They're common in folk, jazz, and film music.

Key terms

Modes

rotations of the major scale from different degrees

Ionian / Aeolian

= major / = natural minor

Dorian / Phrygian

D-D / E-E on white keys

Lydian / Mixolydian

raised 4th / lowered 7th

Seven modes

Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Locrian

Try an AP-style question

Dorian mode is like natural minor but with a raised…

1. 2nd
2. 3rd
3. 6th
4. 7th