Musical Modes: What Are They?
Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Mixolydian… What are modes, anyway? And how are they related to the major and minor scales you already know?
Musical modes are simply different ways of ordering the 12 tones of the chromatic scale. They are created by different sequences of half steps and whole steps.
You probably already know that half steps (or minor seconds) represent the closest interval between two notes. And naturally, as the name implies, a whole step (or major second) represents two half steps. For example, from C to C-sharp is one half step, or minor second. From C-sharp to D is another. Put the two together, and from C to D is one whole step, or major second.
The simplest way to think about modes is to consider the C Major scale. (This way, we don’t have to worry about accidentals.)
Starting on C and going up to the next C using just the white keys, the C Major scale that you’re familiar with is also known as the Ionian mode. The sequence of whole steps and half steps is: W-W-H-W-W-W-H, where W = “Whole step” and H = “Half step.”
Now, take those same white keys, and start on D instead of C. Go up to the next D. This is the Dorian mode. It uses the pattern: W-H-W-W-W-H-W.
And so on. The mode that goes from E to E (or starts on the third of the C Major scale) is the Phrygian, with the sequence: H-W-W-W-H-W-W.
The mode that goes from A to A (starting on the sixth of the C Major scale) is the Aeolian, otherwise known as the A Minor scale. It has a sequence of: W-H-W-W-W-H-W.
Here is a list of all the modes and the sequence of whole notes and half notes that make them up:
Ionian (Major scale): W-W-H-W-W-W-H
Dorian: W-H-W-W-W-H-W
Phrygian: H-W-W-W-H-W-W
Lydian: W-W-W-H-W-W-H
Mixolydian: W-W-H-W-W-H-W
Aeolian (Minor scale): W-H-W-W-H-W-W
Locrian: H-W-W-H-W-W-W
As you can imagine, each of these modes has quite a unique sound to it, and conveys a unique mood. Just think about the difference between the C Major scale (Ionian mode) and the A Minor scale (Aeolian mode). They both use the same keys. But put the whole and half steps together in a different way, and an entirely different feeling is conveyed.
Major Modes: Ionian (the Major scale), Lydian, and Mixolydian are considered “Major” modes. In other words, the mood they evoke is generally a happy and forthright one.
Minor Modes: Aolian (the Minor scale), Dorian, and Phrygian are considered “Minor” modes. The mood they evoke is a wistful, sad, contemplative one.
The Locrian mode is in a class by itself, known as a Diminished Mode. It is the only mode whose fifth is not perfect. It is almost never used in composition, since it has a very odd and unsettling sound.
Most of us can tell whether a given tune is in a major or a minor key — that is, whether it is in Ionian or Aolian mode. However, you may be surprised to learn that Dorian and Mixolydian modes are also used with some regularity. They can be found in folk tunes (particularly those of Irish origin), rock, jazz, and blues. Lydian is used more rarely, and Locrian is almost never used at all.
Phrygian mode is used in flamenco music and other Spanish music — and in Arab music. This is perhaps not just a coincidence but an artifact of history: In the 700’s, the Moors (we would call them Arabian peoples today) invaded the Iberian peninsula (now Spain) — and left their mark on the culture they found there.
Scales are modes, not the other way around. And the familiar major and minor keys are just the beginning. Next time you practice your scales, remember — you’re not just practicing the major scale, you’re also practicing the Ionian mode!
Tags: modes, music, music history, music theory, musical modes, musical scales, piano, piano lessons, scales
