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The Seven Modes
Builds on Major Scale Construction
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A mode is simply the major scale's own notes, renumbered to start from a different scale degree — same key signature, same pitches, different tonic. Starting a C major scale from its 2nd degree (D) gives you D Dorian; from its 5th degree (G) gives you G Mixolydian; and so on through all seven degrees.
Each mode gets its distinct flavor from where its two half-steps land relative to the new tonic. Dorian (start on 2) has a minor 3rd but a raised 6th, giving it a bittersweet, jazzy minor color. Mixolydian (start on 5) has a major 3rd but a lowered 7th, sounding like major with a bluesy, unresolved edge. Phrygian (start on 3) has a lowered 2nd degree right next to the tonic, giving it a dark, Spanish-tinged color. Locrian (start on 7) even lowers the 5th degree, making it the least stable, rarely-used-as-a-tonic mode of the seven.
⚠️ Common mistake
Thinking modes require learning seven entirely new note sets. Every mode of C major uses exactly the same seven pitches as C major — only the starting point (tonic) changes, which changes which intervals are measured from that new center.
📝 Summary
The seven modes reuse one scale's pitches starting from each of its seven degrees. Dorian, Mixolydian, Phrygian, and Locrian each get their color from one or two scale degrees that differ from the nearest major or minor scale.
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