VIII. Modes
Major Scale Modes
| I | Ionian | 1234567 |
| II | Dorian | 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7 |
| III | Phrygian | 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 |
| IV | Lydian | 1 2 3 #4 5 6 7 |
| V | Mixolydian | 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7 |
| VI | Aeolian | 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 |
| VII | Locrian | 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7 |
Memorize the order of the modes with their numbers (I-VII to the left of
the names above).
After this there are two perspectives to know. The first is easier. The second
takes longer to learn but is more important.
1. Learn to spell the scale steps of the modes. This is straight memorization
of the numbers to the right of the names.
2. Be able to state the major scale from which a mode is derived. For example,
say you want to play F Mixolydian. You know that Mixolydian is mode V. Make
F the 5th degree of a major scale and count back by the proper whole and half
steps to find I. The major scale you find is equal to the desired mode.
F Mixolydian equals Bb major
| Bb | C | D | Eb | F |
| I | II | III | IV | V |
More examples:
Bb Dorian equals Ab major
| Ab | Bb | |||
| I | II |
B Locrian equals C major
| C | D | E | F | G | A | B |
| I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII |
Melodic Minor Scale Modes
| Melodic Minor | 1 2 b3 4 5 6 7 | |
| Dorian b2 | 1 b2 b3 4 5 6 b7 | |
| Lydian #5 | 1 2 3 #4 #5 6 7 | |
| Lydian b7 | 1 2 3 #4 5 6 b7 | aka Lydian Dominant |
| Mixolydian b6 | 1 2 3 4 5 b6 b7 | |
| Locrian #2 | 1 2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7 | (it’s really a natural 2) |
| Altered | 1 b2 b3 b4 b5 b6 b7 | aka Superlocrian |
Harmonic Minor Scale Modes
There is variety in the naming conventions, mostly because the 5th mode, Phrygian
Dominant, is the only one most players use. Learn it, and you will get the
sounds of the others over changing chords.
| Harmonic Minor | 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7 |
| Locrian Natural 6 | 1 b2 b3 4 b5 6 b7 |
| Harmonic Major | 1 2 3 4 5 b6 7 |
| Dorian #4 | 1 2 b3 #4 5 6 b7 |
| Phrygian Dominant | 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 b7 |
| Lydian #2 | 1 #2 3 #4 5 6 7 |
| Superlocrian bb7 | 1 b2 b3 b4 b5 b6 bb7 |