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โ† Professional ยท Lesson 3 of 8

Modes and Advanced Scales

Explore the seven diatonic modes and their distinctive sounds. ยท 25 min

The seven modes

The seven common diatonic modes are Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian.

C Ionian uses the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, B.

D Dorian uses the same white-key notes but treats D as the tonal centre.

Each mode has a distinctive interval pattern and characteristic sound.

๐„ž44CDEFGABC
C Ionian: the C major scale.
๐„ž44DEFGABCD
D Dorian: the same notes, with D as the tonal centre.

Tap the keys. Highlighted: C4, D4, E4, F4, G4, A4, B4, C5.

Check yourself

You'll see immediately whether each answer is right, and why.

Modes and Advanced Scales quiz1 / 3

Which mode is equivalent to the major scale?