Modes
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Today I will be giving an overview of what a mode is in regards to music. Originated in ancient Greece these scales or modes create a unique sound. There are 7 modes or sounds that are part of the Greek scales.
The first you encounter is Ionian. The Ionian mode is equal to our major scale. There are two other modes that are very similar to the major scale or that have a major sound. Lydian has a raised 4th when compared to a major scale or compared to the Ionian mode. By just changing the one in the scale you create a unique sound. This sound is referred to as Lydian mode. The Mixolydian mode has a flatted 7th when compared to a major scale. The Mixolydian mode fit the dominant chord like a glove. These are the 3 modes with a major sound or are comprised from the major scale except the one altered note. Moving into the minor sounds in the modes you first want to look the Aeolian as this mode is the same or equal to your natural minor scale. Dorian mode has a raised 6th when you compare it to a natural minor scale or the Aeolian mode. The Phrygian mode has a flatted 2nd when compared to the natural minor scale. The final mode is the Locrian mode. This mode is specifically made to fit the diminished or minor 7 b5 chord. If we compared Locrian to the natural minor scale you will find it has a flatted 2nd and a flat 5th.
Each of these modes is designed to create a special sound to fit with certain chords and chord progressions. The best way to get an idea of how they sound is to play them over chords. Try playing a major 7th chord and then jam the Ionian and Lydian over the chord starting at the chords root note. Next try playing a dominant 7th chord and improvising the Mixolydian mode over it. Now try playing a minor 7th chord and try the Aeolian, Dorian and Phrygian modes over that chord. Last try the Locrian mode with a minor7b5 chord. This excessive will give you a feel for what the modes are and sound like.
Please contact us to come in for your $10 introductory music lesson from one of our great instructors or myself to learn further about music and the modes. We offer guitar lessons, piano lessons, drum lessons, violin lesson, Ukulele lessons, vocal lessons as well as some orchestral instruments and more.
