One of the music theory topics that constantly leaves many musicians stumped is musical modes. Having even a basic understanding of modes is a useful tool for expanding your musical vocabulary and unlocking a world of unique sounds and possibilities. In this post, we’ll delve into musical modes, find out how we can understand them, and explore how they can be applied to your compositions and improvisation.
What Are Musical Modes?
To put it simply, musical modes are different scales derived from a parent scale. They provide a distinctive tonal flavor and mood by emphasizing specific intervals. Every scale has its modes. Today, we’ll explore the seven major modes: Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian. Each mode has its own characteristic sound and set of intervals, contributing to its distinct personality.
The Way We Are Usually Taught Modes
When a student is first being introduced to modes, it is usually explained by playing a C scale, and then playing the scale again but starting on D (Dorian mode), then E (Phrygian mode) , then F (Lydian mode) and so on.
That leaves you to think, “Okay, but what now?”
Others will give you a formula saying that Ionian mode is just a major scale, Dorian mode has a flattened 3rd and a flattened 7th, Phrygian has a flattened 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th, and just a bunch of other flattened and sharpened things that you probably WON’T remember.
How I Understand Modes
In my personal way of understanding and locating major modes (this works for all other scales too!), all you have to know is your major scales (which you would know already) and 7 words: Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian.
Create a table with 7 rows and 2 columns. Put the numbers 1-7 in the first column and put the names of the modes in the other. This becomes your major modes plugin chart.
(If you would like a FREE pdf version of this plugin chart, fill in the form below this post!)
How To Use The Plugin Chart
Let’s say for example you’re looking for F# Phrygian.
When we look at the plugin chart, Phrygian is the third mode, so now you have to find a major scale where the third note is F#.
If you guessed “D” you are correct. To play F# Phrygian, play the D Major scale starting on F#.
Here’s another example. You want to play Ab Locrian. Locrian is the 7th mode. What scale has Ab as its 7th note? A Major. You play an A major scale starting on Ab (or G# for the music nerds.)
This completely takes you away from having to remember a bunch of flatted and sharpened notes. Once you know your major scales, you are good to go!
Let us get to the question that is often asked though…
How Are Modes Useful?
As we mentioned earlier, modes provide a distinctive tonal flavor and mood. Making use of modes in improvisation gives you a great source of inspiration when producing musical ideas.
Chords and scales are two sides of the same coin so therefore modes (which come from scales) will have corresponding chords that they will work over:
Ionian: Major, Major 7
Dorian: Minor, Minor 7th
Phrygian: Minor, Minor 7th, sus b9
Lydian: Major 7 #11
Mixolydian: Major, Dominant 7
Aeolian: Minor, Minor 7
Locrian: Diminished, Minor 7b5
By making use of the musical modes, you can expand your musical horizons and unleash your creativity. You’ll be able to craft melodies and harmonies that evoke a wide range of emotions and transport your listeners to new sonic landscapes.
Remember, practice and experimentation are key to understanding the potential of musical modes. So, grab your instrument, explore the different modes, create sounds and tap in to your imagination!
Click on the link below to get a FREE plugin chart for the Melodic Minor scale!
https://themusiceducator.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Melodic-Minor-Modes-Plug-In-Chart.pdf
