Modes Of The Major Scale (Page 3 of 4) in pdf

sound. Starting on the note A, for example, gives the piece a minor flavor.

Starting on the note E creates a Latin type of sound.

If you approach the modes individually you will see that each one has a purpose

or unique application depending upon the genre they are being utilized in.

Certain modes tend to be specific to style, while others are more inclined to be

used over certain quality chords.

Beginning with Ionian, the major scale is found in basically every form of music.

Ionian can be utilized any time a major chord is present. The one exception is

when that major chord is functioning as the four chord. In this case, the Lydian

mode would be more appropriate because it eliminates the avoid note (perfect

fourth), which will tend to clash with the major third.

Our second mode, Dorian, is popular in jazz music, but does pop up in other

forms of music as well. In the jazz setting, Dorian is usually played over a two

chord. Generally though, Dorian will work over any minor chord, barring it has no

other alterations.

Phrygian also plays over minor chords. The flatted second degree makes it a

good choice to use for Latin music, as that is a characteristic trait found in much

Spanish style music. The flatted second degree sounds a bit dissonant, but will

work if used as a passing tone.

Lydian, as we stated above, is mainly played over the major four chord. This is to

help avoid the clash that would occur if the fourth degree were natural as

opposed to raised. Lydian usually shows up in jazz music, but many jam bands

incorporate it as well.

Mixolydian, of course, is simply the dominant scale. Mixolydian is probably the

most common and widely used scale in all of music. It works over the dominant

chord, and is found in every form of music. Like Ionian, the perfect fourth of the

scale tends to clash with the major third, so this note should be treated more as a

passing tone.

The sixth mode, Aeolian (natural minor), is played over any minor chord, barring

its seventh is minor. Aeolian is definitely the most popular of all minor scales, and

occurs in every style of music, although Dorian is the preferred minor scale in

jazz music.

Locrian, the final mode, is probably the least used mode in the lot. The flat two

and flat five give it a rather unique sound, and tend to restrict its usefulness. It

works over the minor seventh flat five chord, also called half-diminished, mainly

in the style of jazz music.

This very brief discussion of the modes of the major scale should give you a

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