1. Home
  2. Scales & Modes
  3. Modes of the Major Scale

Modes of the Major Scale

Ecclesiastical modes, also named church modes, Greek modes or Gregorian modes formed in the Middle Ages a set of seven scales whose use has weakened because of the appearance of the major / minor tonal system. Many centuries later these modes have reappeared. 

How Are Built The Modes Of The Major Scale?

Modes of a scale are constructed by moving the tonic on the different degrees of this scale. There are seven modes in the major scale :

The Seven Modes Of The Major Scale :

Ionian Mode 

This is the first mode of the major scale. The interval pattern is 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7

Dorian Mode

The second mode of the major scale. The interval pattern is 1 - 2 - b3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - b7

Phrygian Mode

Third mode of the major scale. The interval pattern is 1 - b2 - b3 - 4 - 5 - b6 - b7

Lydian Mode

Fourth mode of the major scale. The Interval pattern is 1 - 2 - 3 - #4 - 5 - 6 - 7

Mixolydian Mode

Fifth mode of the major scale. The interval pattern is 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - b7

Aeolian Mode

Aka natural minor scale, the sixth mode of the major scale. The Interval pattern is 1 - 2 - b3 - 4 - 5 - b6 - b7

Locrian Mode

Seventh mode of the major scale. The interval pattern is 1 - b2 - b3 - 4 - b5 - b6 - b7

Guitar scale dictionary pdf method

 

Click on the links below to access the lessons and check this lesson to learn parallel and relative modes.