Recap of Chapter Four: Modes

Congratulations on making it this far! Before we move on to the next chapter, let's recap the modes we've learned and take a look at all seven modes.

Recommended Resources

There's a PDF that accompanies this lesson, which you should download if you can.

Understanding Modes

Most people start learning the modes using the white notes, with C Major as the parent scale. Here's how it typically goes:

• Dorian: Start on D
• Phrygian: Start on E
• Lydian: Start on F
• Mixolydian: Start on G
• Aeolian: Start on A
• Locrian: Start on B

While this is a common method of teaching modes, I believe it's not the most efficient or practical way to learn.

Why Learn All Modes?

Many students wonder, "Why do I need to learn all these? They're all white notes." This mindset can lead to a misunderstanding of the modes.

• E Minor Chord in Phrygian Mode: This includes a flat second and a B6.
• Characteristic Sound: Each mode has its own unique intervals and sound, and it's important to learn them in context, not just through the key of C.

For instance, you might be playing the Dorian mode in the key of D minor, which might not always translate to a II chord in the key of C.

Learning the Modes

Let's run through the scales and modes, starting with the Lydian, which is the brightest. Here's the order in which you should learn your modes:

1. Lydian: Play a C major chord with a sharpened fourth.

   • Action: Play the chord in your left hand and the scale in your right hand.

2. C Major: Flatten the F# to return to an ordinary C major scale.

3. Mixolydian: Now flatten the seventh in both hands. This fits with a C7 chord as a dominant mode.

4. Dorian: Flatten the third in both hands, leading to a C minor 7 chord. This is one of the most common minor scales, distinguished from melodic, harmonic, or natural minor.

5. Flatten the Sixth: Still playing over C minor, this creates a different color from the scale.

6. Phrygian: Flatten the second to arrive at the Phrygian mode.

7. Locrian: Finally, flatten every note. So far, we've flattened the third, seventh, sixth, and second, but the fifth remains.

Visual Aid

Refer to the chart provided to clarify the mode relationships.

Minor Modes

There are three types of minor modes to remember:

• Dorian
• Aeolian
• Phrygian

Practice in Different Keys

Let's practice these modes in a different key.

• Dorian on D: All white notes.
• Aeolian: Might include a Bb, known as natural minor (the same as F major, its relative major).
• Phrygian: May introduce an Eb, resulting in a flattened second.

We'll be playing a tune based on the Phrygian mode in the next chapter.