Overview
This lecture explains musical modes, how to relate and use them, their formulas, characteristic notes, and their emotional qualities, making modes easier to understand for music students.
What are Modes?
- Modes are scales; major and minor are two of the seven modes.
- You create different modes by taking the same set of notes but using a different tonic (home note).
- There are seven modes, each starting on a different scale degree.
Understanding Modes by Formulas
- Each mode is defined by a specific alteration in its scale compared to major or minor.
- Three modes are based on the major scale and four are minor-based.
- Each mode has a characteristic note that gives it a unique sound.
The Major Modes
- Ionian: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 (major scale), bright and happy (brightness 6).
- Lydian: 1 2 3 #4 5 6 7 1, features a raised 4th, brightest mode (brightness 7).
- Mixolydian: 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7 1, features a flat 7th, smoother and bluesier than major (brightness 5).
The Minor Modes
- Aeolian: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 1 (natural minor), hollow and melancholy (brightness 3).
- Dorian: 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7 1, raised 6th, serious but heroic feel (brightness 4).
- Phrygian: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 1, flat 2nd, dark and sinister (brightness 2).
- Locrian: 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7 1, flat 2nd and 5th, darkest and rarest mode (brightness 1).
Practical Use of Modes
- Remember each mode by its unique alteration from major or minor.
- Modes determine which chords and moods are available in your music.
- Modal interchange is when you borrow chords from one mode for use in another to create varied moods.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Mode — a type of scale defined by its unique sequence of intervals.
- Tonic — the home note or starting point of a scale or mode.
- Modal Interchange — borrowing chords from parallel modes to add color to music.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice constructing all seven modes from a given major scale by altering specific scale degrees.
- Identify the characteristic note of each mode for quick recall.
- Try composing short pieces or chord progressions in different modes.