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 :
- The Ionian Mode is the first mode of the major scale. The interval pattern is 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7
- The Dorian Mode is the second mode of the major scale. The interval pattern is 1 - 2 - b3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - b7
- The Phrygian Mode is the third mode of the major scale. The interval pattern is 1 - b2 - b3 - 4 - 5 - b6 - b7
- The Lydian Mode is is the fourth mode of the major scale. The Interval pattern is 1 - 2 - 3 - #4 - 5 - 6 - 7
- The Mixolydian Mode is the fifth mode of the major scale. The interval pattern is 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - b7
- The Aeolian Mode aka natural minor scale, is the sixth mode of the major scale. The Interval pattern is 1 - 2 - b3 - 4 - 5 - b6 - b7
- The Locrian Mode is the seventh mode of the major scale. The interval pattern is 1 - b2 - b3 - 4 - b5 - b6 - b7
Click on the links below to access the lessons and check this lesson to learn parallel and relative modes.
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The Major Scale aka Ionian Mode | Guitar Lesson With Diagrams, Theory & Lines
This guitar lesson explain how to play the Ionian mode best known as the major scale on guitar. You will find in this page some guitar patterns, diagrams, exercises, licks and theory about it. -
The Dorian Mode | Guitar Lesson With Diagrams, Theory & Licks
This jazz guitar lesson provides some diagrams, scales charts and jazz guitar lines to understand and play the Dorian mode. -
The Phrygian Mode | Guitar Lesson With Diagrams, Theory and Licks
Guitar lesson with diagrams, scale charts, tabs, exercises and theory for a better understanding of the Phrygian mode . -
The Lydian Scale | Guitar Lesson with Diagrams
This guitar lesson with diagrams, audio files, licks with tabs and formula charts show you how to play the Lydian mode on guitar. -
The Mixolydian Mode | Guitar Lesson with Shapes Charts and Licks
This guitar lesson with scale charts, tabs and guitar diagrams provides useful information on how to play the Mixolydian mode aka dominant scale on guitar. -
The Aeolian Mode aka Natural Minor Scale | Guitar Lesson With Diagrams and Theory
This lesson with diagrams and formula charts explains what is the Aeolian mode and how to play it on guitar. -
The Locrian mode | Guitar Lesson, Theory, Diagrams and Scale Charts
This jazz guitar lesson contains neck diagrams, scale charts, licks and theory to master the Locrian scale on guitar.
