The Modes - Part 1

What Is A Mode?

A mode is quite simply starting and resolving to a note other within a scale. In this course, we are dealing with the major scale modes, which are scales based on each individual note in the major scale. Let's use an example to clarify this:

There is our simple C major scale. If we choose to start and resolve to a different degree of the scale (different note) then we will be playing a mode of the scale. For example:

Ionian Mode

The Ionian mode is more commonly known as the major scale! The Ionian mode starts and resolves on the first degree of the scale, which is also what the major scale does. Hence, they are one and the same! So, we should all know the formula for an Ionian mode:

Which, in the key of C, would be our C major scale as shown here:

Ionian Scale

To help you put this into practice, a common shape for the C Ionian scale can be found in the fretboard diagrams. Notice the notes on the neck as you go through it, trying to say the degrees of the scale (i.e. 1st, 5th etc...).

Dorian Mode

The Dorian mode is based on the second degree of the major scale and is a minor sounding mode. This is because it is built from the second degree of the scale, which harmonises to a minor chord. The D Dorian is as follows:

Dorian Formula

Another way to work out the Dorian mode, and what we consider to be the best way to do it, is to learn the formula. The formula for this scale is:

Dorian Scale

To help you put this into practice, a common shape for the D Dorian scale can be found in the fretboard diagrams. Notice that these are the exact same notes as in C major, just starting and ending on D.

Phrygian Mode

The Phrygian mode is based on the third degree of the major scale and is a minor sounding mode. This is because it is built from the third degree of the scale, which harmonises to a minor chord. The E Phrygian is as follows:

Phrygian Formula

Another way to work out the Phrygian mode, and what we consider to be the best way to do it, is to learn the formula. The formula for this scale is:

Dorian Scale

To help you put this into practice, here is a common shape for the E Phrygian scale. Notice that these are the exact same notes as in C major, just starting and ending on E.

Lydian Mode

The Lydian mode is based on the fourth degree of the major scale and is a major sounding mode. This is because it is built from the fourth degree of the scale, which harmonises to a major chord. The F Lydian is as follows:

Lydian Formula

Another way to work out the Lydian mode, and what we consider to be the best way to do it, is to learn the formula. The formula for this scale is:

Lydian Scale

To help you put this into practice, In the fretboard diagrams is a shape for the F Lydian scale. Notice that these are the exact same notes as in C major, just starting and ending on F.