Tag: Solo

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 3^rd (F natural instead of F#) and the minor 7^th (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 3^rd and the minor 7^th but also the minor 6^th and 2^nd . 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 4^th (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 7^th 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 3^rd, minor 6^th 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 2^nd , 3^rd, 6^th and 7^th. Also the characteristic note is the diminished 5^th, that makes this mode one of kind among those from the major scale.