Modes of major scale pt3

This is a another classic chart to understand how modes are built by comparing them to the major scale staring from the same note…you’ll see right away how D Dorian is a minor mode and how it differs from D major scale.

Printable PDF: Modes Pt3

C Ionian = C major by constitution and it is a Major mode.

C Ionian

C

D

E

F

G

A

B

C Major

C

D

E

F

G

A

B

D Dorian

D Dorian

D

E

F

G

A

B

C

D Major

D

E

F#

G

A

B

C#

As you can see the difference here is that the Dorian mode has the minor 3rd (F natural instead of F#) and the minor 7th (C natural).  The Dorian Mode is a Minor mode

E Phrygian

E Phry

E

F

G

A

B

C

D

E Major

E

F#

G#

A

B

C#

D#

Here not only we can see the minor 3rd and the minor 7th but also the minor 6th and 2nd . This last note gives the characteristic sound to this mode. This is a minor mode.

F Lydian

F Lyd

F

G

A

B

C

D

E

F Major

F

G

A

Bb

C

D

E

A major mode with the raised 4th (Bb raised to B natural). Quite an interesting sound, used a lot for its dream like qualities.

G Mixolydian

G Mixo

G

A

B

C

D

E

F

G Major

G

A

B

C

D

E

F#

This is called a major dominant mode, the characteristic note is the minor 7th on a major scale.

A Aeolian

A Aeol

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

A Major

A

B

C#

D

E

F#

G#

This mode is also known as Relative minor or Natural minor. Has a minor 3rd, minor 6th and 7th

B Locrian

B Locr

B

C

D

E

F

G

A

B Major

B

C#

D#

E

F#

G#

A#

Maybe not as popular as the other modes, but used quite a lot in many jazz standards and similar tunes this is a minor mode with minor 2nd , 3rd, 6th and 7th. Also the characteristic note is the diminished 5th, that makes this mode one of kind among those from the major scale.