The term “mode” is typically used to describe one of seven different versions of the diatonic scale. Each version is simply the same diatonic scale, but beginning on a different note. The important thing to remember here is that the scale loops around.
The diatonic scale is a way of getting from one note to it’s octave either above or below, in a series of seven steps. This gives you a total of seven notes (eight including the last note, which is the same as your first note but either one octave higher or lower). Each note is either a whole or half (semi) tone away from it’s neighbour.
The formula which you’ve probably seen many times before is:
T – T – S – T – T – T- S
T means tone and S means semitone. These terms refer to the gap between each note, and not the notes themselves. The example used is for the major scale, otherwise know as Ionian mode. Here is an example in C major, which is often used as it has no sharps or flats:
C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C
-T-T-S-T-T-T-S-
The term “mode” can be used to refer to a scale on it’s own, or a whole section of music, the chords used determining what mode it is in.
The scale C,D,E,F,G,A,B,C would be C ionian. D,E,F,G,A,B,C,D would be D dorian. Read some of the other articles on modes on this site to try and learn why this is.
Likewise the chord progression C, Dm, Em, F, G, C could be described as being in C major, or C ionian mode. Playing these chords whilst jamming around a C major scale would pretty much keep you in C ionian mode. However, change that chord progression to be Dm, Em, F, G C, Dm, and still playing around a C major scale over the top, would help you to achieve D dorian mode. Likewise, playing Em, F, G, Am or Am, G, F, Em, whilst playing around a C major scale will help you to achieve E phrygian mode, etc…..
- Ionian mode is definitely “happy”. It is also called the major scale.
- Dorian modie is classed as a kind of minor scale and is “sadder”, but not typically sad like the minor scale
- Phrygian mode is also classed as minor. It is very “eastern” sounding and quite mysterious
- Myxolydian mode is is a variation on the major scale and is “happy”
- Lydian mode is also happy and classed as major
- Aeolian mode is your classic minor scale and is definitely “sad”
- Locrian mode is more rarely used. It is related to the diminished chord
To learn more, read some of the articles on this site on modes, the major scale and the circle of fifths. Check out the interactive circle of fifths on this site, and try using the tags on the right hand side.
Tags: aeolian, circle of fifths, dorian, ionian, locrian, lydian, major, minor, modes, myxolydian, phrygian, scale
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