Modes of the Major Scale

The seven modes of the major scale are the foundation of modal theory. Each has a distinct sound, interval formula, and set of musical applications.

1. Ionian (Major Scale)

Formula: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 Character: Bright, happy, resolved. The "home" sound. Use: Over major 7th chords functioning as I. Pop, classical, folk. Avoid note: The 4th (can obscure the major 3rd when sustained).

2. Dorian

Formula: 1-2-b3-4-5-6-b7 Character: Minor but with a bright 6th. Jazzy, funky, sophisticated. Use: Over minor 7th chords, especially ii chords. The most common jazz minor mode. Character note: The natural 6 distinguishes it from Aeolian.

3. Phrygian

Formula: 1-b2-b3-4-5-b6-b7 Character: Dark, Spanish, exotic. The b2 is immediately recognizable. Use: Flamenco, metal, film scoring. Over minor chords with a b9 flavor. Character note: The b2 defines the Phrygian sound.

4. Lydian

Formula: 1-2-3-#4-5-6-7 Character: Bright, dreamy, floating. The brightest of all modes. Use: Over major 7#11 chords. Film scoring (John Williams uses it extensively). The #4 avoids the clash that the natural 4 creates over major chords, making Lydian the preferred scale for many major chord situations. Character note: The #4 (no avoid notes).

5. Mixolydian

Formula: 1-2-3-4-5-6-b7 Character: Major but with bluesy tension. Dominant, earthy. Use: Over dominant 7th chords. Blues, rock, funk, country. Character note: The b7 distinguishes it from Ionian.

6. Aeolian (Natural Minor)

Formula: 1-2-b3-4-5-b6-b7 Character: Sad, dark, melancholic. The standard minor sound. Use: Over minor chords in minor key contexts. Rock, pop, classical. Character note: The b6 distinguishes it from Dorian.

7. Locrian

Formula: 1-b2-b3-4-b5-b6-b7 Character: Extremely dark and unstable. The diminished 5th prevents a strong sense of tonal center. Use: Over half-diminished (m7b5) chords. Rarely used as a standalone tonality. Character note: The b5 (and b2) make it the darkest diatonic mode.

The Brightness Spectrum

Ordering modes from brightest to darkest: Lydian > Ionian > Mixolydian > Dorian > Aeolian > Phrygian > Locrian. Each step down adds one flat relative to the previous mode.