MUSIC MODES

A mode is a specific sequence of whole steps and half steps that begins on one note
and ends on the same note an octave higher.

MAJOR : Ionian
Dorian
Phrygian
Lydian
Mixolydian
MINOR : Aeolian
Locrian

Ionian modes have the same sequence with Major Scales, which is
W – W – h – W – W – W – h.
The ionian mode and the major scales are synonymous.

Aeolian modes and natural minor scales are synonymous because they have the
same sequence, which is
W – h – W – W – h – W – W.

You can obtain the Dorian mode by “starting a major scale form its second degree”

D E F G A B C D

Is D dorian mode and is a C major scales started from D (second degree of the C
major scale)

The modes are obtained as follows:

 The Ionian mode is the same as the major scale itself
 The Dorian mode is a major scale started from the second degree
 The Phrygian mode is a major scale started from the third degree
 The Lydian mode is a major scale started from the fourth degree
 The Mixolydian mode is a major scale started from the fifth degree
 The Aeolian mode is a naturel minor scale OR is a major scale started from
the sixth degree
 The Locrian mode is a major scale started from the seventh degree
 CIRCLE OF FIFTHS
Circle of fifths is a simple circle with the twelve semitones called the chromatic scale
spaced evenly around the perimeter exactly a fifth interval apart in the same way as
the twelve hours are spaced around a clock face

If we place the note C at the 12 o clock position, then the fifth note up the scale of C
is the note G (C – D – E – F – G) so we place G at the next position, etc.

Whicever note you pick for your key note then the note to the right (clockwise) is
obviously the perfect fifth but the note to the left (anti-clockwise) turns out to be the
perfect fourth as well.

TENSION CHORD is an unbalanced sounding chord you create by changing the

normal fifth chord to a “five-seventh” chord. It is known as the DOMINANT
SEVENTH but usually referred to as just “the seventh”.
Playing a song in the key of C, instead of playing the normal fifth chord G towards
the end of the tune, you actually play a G7 chord which introduces some tension and
this makes it sound like it wants to resolve back to the key chord or “the home”
chord, in this case C.