The Modes Explained Simply

The Modes can be a little strange to understand at first.  Simply put any Mode is really just the Major Scale starting from different degrees.

That will make more sense when you see it written out:

Ionian is the same as the major scale– C D E F G A B C a.k.a the major scale.

Dorian starts on 2nd degree – D E F G A B C D

Phrygian starts on the 3rd – E F G A B C D E

Lydian starts on the 4th – F G A B C D E F

Mixolydian starts on the 5th – G A B C D E F G

Aeolian starts on the 6th – A B C D E F G A  a.k.a. Natural or Relative Minor Scale

Locrian starts on the 7th – B C D E F G A B

If you pay close attention you will see that all the Modes above are using the same notes of the major scale in the same order.  The only difference is that you begin and end the scale on a different note for each one.  Since there are 7 possible notes in the major scale, there are 7 modes.  One for each of the 7 notes.

This should and will bring up further questions.

For example:

1. Isn’t this just making a simple scale unnecessarily complex and confusing?  Yes and No!
2. If they all contain the same notes why can’t I just use the major scale for all of them?  Yes, but it will only take you so far!
3. Do they really even sound any different?  Yes.  Play each one from  root to root.  Each mode has a very unique sound and is used for the corresponding chord built from the degree it starts on.

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