Generally, a mode is any scale derived primarily from one of several different master scales, an example of this would be the major scale but several other scales also have their own set of modes like the melodic minor scale. As an example: the notated C major scale is C D E F G A B C, but if we start the scale on the second degree, which is D, and finish on the D one octave higher, we will have created a D dorian scale, the second mode of the major scale. Likewise if we start on the fifth degree, which is G, and finish on the G one octave higher we will have created a G mixolydian scale, the fifth mode of the major scale. This process is continued on each of the seven scale tones which gives us the seven different major scale modes. The major scale is actually the first mode and is given the name of ionian. Below you will find a complete major scale modal reference.

Remember, it is the chord you are playing behind the scale that accentuates the mode's unique sound, playing a mode's scale pattern over and over will not really do it justice. As an example: play a C Lydian scale pattern and you will hardly hear the sharpened fourth degree, now play a rock riff behind the scale like C⁵ | C⁽⁵⁾ and you will hear the real tone of the mode, why?.....because the chord riff is using the sharp fourth/flat fifth degree which is the only difference between Lydian and a simple major scale.

Major Scale Modes

Click on a modes name and you will be taken to that modes page which has scale patterns, formulas and sound samples. Click on the "View" link beside a chords name to visit that chords page which has different chord voicings, formulas and sound samples.

Number / Name		Formula								Notation								Harmonized Triads		Harmonized Tetrads
I	Ionian*	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	1	C	D	E	F	G	A	B	C	C	View	CMA7	View
II	Dorian	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	1	D	E	F	G	A	B	C	D	Dmi	View	Dmi7	View
III	Phrygian	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	1	E	F	G	A	B	C	D	E	Emi	View	Emi7	View
IV	Lydian	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	1	F	G	A	B	C	D	E	F	F	View	FMA7	View
V	Mixolydian	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	1	G	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	G	View	G7	View
VI	Aeolian**	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	1	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	A	Ami	View	Ami7	View
VII	Locrian	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	1	B	C	D	E	F	G	A	B	B	View	Bmi7(5)	View

• Notes...
• * Ionian is the major scales modal name
• ** Aeolian is the natural minors modal name, Aeolian is also a major scales relative minor
• Remember, you don't have to learn five scale patterns for each mode, all you need to know is the relative major key and play one of the five major scale patterns in that key. For instance: if you want to play a G mixolydian scale (which is the fifth mode of the major/ionian scale) over a G⁷ chord, you would track back five scale degrees to find the relative major, G > F > E > D > C and play a C major scale over the G⁷ chord which is exactly the same as playing a G mixolydian scale.

Related Lessons & Resources

• Guitar Lessons
• • Economy picking
  • Alternate picking exercises
  • Dexterity exercises
• Music Theory
• • Flat five substitution
  • Harmonizing a major scale (triads)

External Resources

• Musical modes scale at Wikipedia.org