Ionian Mode | Construction And Identification

Modes can be defined as a group of different scales with their own unique pattern of whole steps and half steps and overall tonal characteristics. In this video series we are going to discuss the seven modes of modern music. We will learn how each mode can be derived from the notes of a Major scale. Additionally, we will go over the unique order of steps which constructs each mode, and see how their arrangement compares with the notes of the more common Major and minor scales.

Dorian Mode | Construction And Identification

The notes of Dorian mode are essentially the same as the notes of a natural minor scale with the exception of a raised sixth scale degree. For this reason, Dorian mode can be used in both Major and minor settings.

Phrygian Mode | Construction And Identification

Similar to the Dorian mode, the notes of the Phrygian mode are essentially the same as the notes of the natural minor scale, except for the fact that the second scale degree of the Phrygian mode is flattened by one half step. For this reason the Phrygian mode has a much more minor feel to it than the somewhat optimistic character of the Dorian mode.

Lydian Mode | Construction And Identification

The notes of the Lydian mode may be derived from the fourth scale degree of a corresponding Major scale. In other words, the fourth scale degree of any Major scale may be considered the first scale degree of a Lydian mode.
Seeing how the fourth scale degree of a C Major scale is the note F natural, playing all of the notes in the key of C Major from the note F to the next note F one octave above is therefore considered F Lydian.

Mixolydian Mode | Construction And Identification

So far in this video series on modes we learned how each scale degree of a Major scale may be considered the tonic, or first scale degree, is a different Mode. For example, in video two we learned how the Dorian mode can be built off the second scale degree of a Major scale. In video three we discussed how the third scale degree of any Major scale can be the tonic of a Phrygian mode, and most recently in video four, how the Lydian mode can be constructed from any Major scale's fourth scale degree.

Aeolian Mode | Construction And Identification

In the first video of this series we learned how the Ionian mode is simply just another name for the notes of a Major scale. Well in that same respect, the notes of the Aeolian mode are exactly the same as the notes of a natural minor scale. In other words, Aeolian mode is simply another name for the minor scale.

Locrian Mode | Construction And Identification

The notes of the Locrian mode are very similar to the notes of a natural minor scale. Like the Phrygian mode, the second scale degree of the Locrian mode is flattened by one half step. However, what makes the Locrian mode unique is the fact that it also contains a flattened fifth scale degree. For this reason, the Locrian mode is the only scale discussed in this video series which will produce a diminished triad.