Musical Modes Explained [What Are They & How Do I Use Them?]

There’s an aspect of music theory, often overlooked by beginners, but is incredibly significant to the way music sounds and feels.

Today, we’re delving into this mesmerizing world with a thorough look at musical modes explained: the music theory behind them.

It’s not simply jazz musicians or classically trained composers who exploit these modes.

From rock to pop, No genre is immune to their influence. Let’s embark on this musical journey together, unraveling step-by-step all about musical modes and how they shape tunes.

This blog post aims to clarify the concept of musical modes. These scales have been shaping melodies and harmonies for centuries across various genres.

Misunderstood by many yet manipulated unconsciously by almost every musician out there, today we are going to elevate your understanding about them to a whole new level!

So sit back and let your mind soak in the essence of this captivating chunk of music theory that can unleash a hidden reservoir of creativity within you!

What are Musical Modes?

Musical Modes are unique scales that evoke different emotions and feelings when used in music composition.

There are seven modes including Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian.

Each mode is a variant of the diatonic scale which consists of five whole steps and two half steps.

The main difference between each mode is where these whole and half steps occur in the scale sequence.

This variance in sequence order produces different harmonic qualities making each mode distinctive in melody and harmony.

History of Music Modes

Where did these intriguing modes come from? To find their origin, we have to venture back in time – more than two millennia ago in fact – to Ancient Greece.

Historically, the musical modes were known as ‘Church modes’, a system that was used by ancient Greek philosophers and scientists to categorize Greek music.

During the Renaissance and Middle Ages, these modes were integrated into ecclesiastical (religious) music forming the backbone of Gregorian chants and early church music.

This incorporation came with slight adjustments; the Greek’s original system which was established around tetrachords (a four-note segment of a scale) was modified into the seven-note diatonic scales that we’re familiar with today, and each given an exotic-sounding name.

Remember, musical modes have evolved, and are non-genre specific.

By recognizing their historical value and understanding their construction, you’re better equipped to use them creatively.

Significance of Musical Modes in Music Production

• Creative Character: Each mode imparts a unique character and emotional tonality to the music. For instance, the Lydian mode can evoke a dreamy, almost otherworldly sound, whereas Dorian might create a jazzy or bluesy vibe.
• Harmony Construction: Understanding modes enables musicians to construct harmonies with depth and complexity. It helps relate chords to scales, lending cohesiveness to songs.
• Expanded Creative Palette: Exploring modes expand your creative palette by challenging you to write music outside of your comfort zone. It challenges you to explore new melodies and harmonies beyond your familiar major and minor scales.
• Lyrical Connection: Certain modes lend themselves favorably to specific lyrical themes. For example, the darker-sounding Locrian might be perfect for a melancholic song about heartbreak or loss.
• Improved Improvisation Skills: Knowledge of modes is invaluable when improvising —it allows musicians to flit between scales fluidly during solos.
• Enhanced Understanding of Musical Pieces: An understanding of musical modes can illuminate why certain pieces of music affect us so profoundly. Comprehending the mode behind the music can provide insight into the composer’s intentions, thereby deepening your appreciation for their work.

All in all, musical modes play an integral part in crafting engaging and emotive pieces of music.

Difference Between Scales and Modes

The terms ‘scales’ and ‘modes’ tend to be used interchangeably in the musical world, causing considerable confusion among beginners.

However, they aren’t exactly synonymous – each carries its unique meaning with distinct implications in music theory.

Scales

A scale is a set of pitched notes ordered by fundamental frequency or pitch. In Western music, a standard scale encompasses a sequence of seven pitches, typically arranged in ascending order ranging from a root note (base note) to its octave.

Modes

Modes in music are derivatives or ‘flavors’ of these scales. Here’s an analogy: if the scale represents the complete ice cream bucket, modes are individual scoops taken from different points.

Each one tastes slightly different! Modes usually extract tones from scales and reorder them based on pre-set arrangements, creating various melodies and harmonic environments.

In simple terms, all modes are scales, but not all are modes!

Understanding this distinction is vital for those venturing into composition or improvisation.

One could say that, Put simply, scales provide the foundational ‘vocabulary,’ modes impart unique ‘dialects’ to this vocabulary that let musicians make engaging self-expressions.

Also Read: What Is The Music Modernization Act? [Streaming Royalties?]

Major Scale Modes

Major scale modes are built on the major scale, which consists of seven notes and spans an octave.

This collection of modes is also referred to as the “diatonic modes”.

Understanding Major Scale Modes

Consider C Major Scale for instance, which comprises C – D – E – F – G – A – B notes. Each note in this scale can be the root of a different scale (or mode). Here’s how:

• Ionian Mode: It starts with the root note (C in this case) and runs up to an octave above. It follows the pattern: whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step.
• Dorian Mode: It starts from the next note D and goes to D an octave higher. Its pattern is: whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step.
• Phrygian Mode: This mode starts at E following a pattern of half Step, Whole Step (4x), Half Step
• Lydian Mode: Starting at F create a sequence of Whole Step (4x), Half Step, and Whole Step
• Mixolydian mode: Begins from G going one full octave above following the sequence of whole tone(3x), semitone, whole tone(2x), semitone

Each major scale mode features a unique pattern and delivers distinctive characteristics influencing how music sounds or feels.

Understanding Minor Scale Modes

Minor scale modes hold a special place in music composition, given their profound ability to invoke strong emotions and dramatic tension.

It’s important to understand that minor modes aren’t simply derivations of the major scale modes.

These scales have unique intervals, and constructions, and evoke different feelings. Let’s embark on an exploration journey of these complex musical components.

Three Primary Minor Scale Modes

• Aeolian: Also known as the natural minor scale, Aeolian mode is the sixth mode of the diatonic major scale. Characterized by its minor third, it provides a sound usually associated with sadness or melancholy.
• Dorian: Dorian is the second mode of the diatonic major scale, with both a minor third and a minor seventh – yet it’s generally more uplifting than Aeolian due to the presence of a major sixth.
• Phrygian: Phrygian is the third mode of the diatonic major scale and perhaps notably darker-sounding than Dorian or Aeolian because it features a lowered second note – this interval creation gives Phrygian its exotic tonality.

While understanding all aspects of these minor scale modes might be slightly complex initially as there are numerous derivations and parallels involved, getting the hang of them will undoubtedly elevate your proficiency in music composition or appreciation alike.

Music theory isn’t about rules you must adhere to; instead, it’s an enriching language that allows musicians to communicate beyond words!

Ionian

The Ionian mode is essentially just a fancy name for the Major Scale. It is the most commonly used scale in Western music and offers a bright, happy sound.

Construction: The Ionian follows the following series of steps – Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half.

A “C Major Scale” is built as C – D – E – F – G – A – B

Dorian

The Dorian mode provides a minor sound but is surprisingly less melancholic than other minor scales. Dorian scales are frequently used in jazz and blues to lend an offbeat flavor to tunes.

Construction: The series of steps in Dorian are: Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole.

A “D Dorian” scale would be as follows: D – E – F – G – A – B – C

Phrygian

Phrygian scales add an exotic spin to your music with their Spanish or Middle-Eastern sound. It’s popular in metal and flamenco music especially.

Construction: Its step pattern is: Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole.

For instance, an “E Phrygian” construct: E – F – G – A – B – C – D

Lydian

Lydia is renowned for its dreamy and somewhat surreal quality as it includes a raised fourth note lending it a certain ethereal character. Used extensively for film scores to achieve that ‘floating’ sensation.

Construction: The step progression is: Whole, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half.

An example in “F Lydian” appears like F – G – A – B – C – D- E

Also Read: Lydian Mode [Brighten Your Melodies With This Unique Scale]

Mixolydian

Mixolydian mode is sympathetic yet confident and, therefore, abundantly found in rock music.

Country guitarists also often include this bluesy-sounding mode in their arsenal.

Construction: The step sequence here goes: Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half

Take “G Mixolydian” as an instance which reads: G – A – B– C– D– E– F

Also Read: Aeolian Mode [The Secret To Creating Moody & Expressive Music]

Aeolian

Also known as the Natural Minor Scale and renders a sad tone to the played melodies which makes it popular among Pop musicians to write emotionally charged numbers

Construction: The steps followed are: whole-half-whole-whole-half-whole-whole formula.

Aeolian Mode starts with A serving us this construction: A- B- C- D- E- F-G

Locrian

Locrian has that sinister feel that qualifies it as quite unpopular among composers for creating harmonically complete pieces but gives birth to intense, suspenseful music.

Construction: half-whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole is its signature step sequence.

“B Locrian” looks like : B-C-D-E-F-G-A

Thus, we see how all these modes differ ever so slightly but assume their own individual identities, rendering unique sounds within compositions.

Also Read: The Locrian Mode [Unlock The Secrets Of This Unique Scale]

Application of Musical Modes: The Parent Scale Approach

Stepping into the realm of musical modes, one cannot escape discussing the parent-scale approach.

This approach simplifies the understanding and application of musical modes by relating every mode to a major scale.

A point worth noting here is that all modes are essentially scales derived from a focal or ‘parent’ major scale.

This is reckoned by shifting the tonic note (the root note) of that scale. In other words, each mode starts on a different degree of our parent major scale.

To understand this better, let’s take the C Major Scale as an example because it’s simple with no sharps or flats – it comprises C, D, E, F, G, A, and B.

• Ionian (C) – Start this on note 1 (which is ‘C’ for our example), and we get C-D-E-F-G-A-B. That’s our common major scale!
• Dorian (D) – Shifting to note 2 (D), we obtain our Dorian mode D-E-F-G-A-B-C.
• Phrygian (E) – Move onto note 3 (‘E’), results in E-F-G-A-B-C-D.
• Lydian (F) – Push over to the fourth degree (‘F’), serving us with F-G-A-B-C-D-E as Lydian Mode.
• Mixolydian (G) – With the fifth degree (‘G’) as the starting point emerges G-A-B-C-D-E-F providing Mixolydian mode.
• Aeolian (A) – The sixth degree (‘A’) welcomes us into Aeolian territory with A-B-C-D-E-F-G.
• Locrian (B) – Lastly when beginning from seventh degree (‘B’), you land up to a unique soundscape B-C-D-E-F-G-A named Locrian.

Essentially, without shifting any notes or adding sharps or flats, you’re traversing seven unique-sounding modes! Isn’t it fascinating how music finds ways to freshen up the same set of pitches?

Why Adopt The Parent Scale Approach?

While it might seem daunting at first glance, the Parent Scale Approach offers several benefits:

• Simplicity: It reduces complex tonalities into manageable structures linked back to something familiar – a major scale.
• Versatility: It allows musicians great freedom in composition by providing numerous melodic and harmonic possibilities.
• Ammo for improvisation: Unfolding landscape of diverse interval patterns adds depth to your solos without even changing the key signature.

Although understanding and implementing musical modes might require some effort initially once mastered they can vastly enhance your understanding of music theory and open new doors for your creativity!

Musical Modes in Popular Music

Think of musical modes as flavors in a recipe. Each one makes a unique contribution to the overall appeal of a song.

How would it taste, if for example, the Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby” was not written in Dorian mode? Or the enthralling guitar work on Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” that creatively utilized the Aeolian mode wasn’t there?

It’s these nuances that bear testament to the potent influence of modes in shaping popular music.

The Dorian Mode

Dorian mode, much like modal jazz, involves altering the typical major scale, specifically shifting from the natural minor scale (Aeolian mode).

It has been used extensively to create some unforgettable hooks. Take the anthemic ‘Smoke on the Water’ by Deep Purple or ‘Scarborough Fair,’ made famous by Simon and Garfunkel, both of which operate within this mode.

The Mixolydian Mode

Mixolydian Mode, characterized by its flat seven, is another staple in popular music tradition.

The Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood” and Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” are a few examples that have tapped into its unique vibe.

Surely understanding how these musical modes are put into practice sharpens your ear and changes how you listen to songs henceforth!

On a broader spectrum, learning modes is like unlocking new musical vocabularies – each with its own phonetics and semantics – thus enriching your sonic expression manifold.

You see, every ‘model (pardon my pun) step you take toward understanding music theory equips you with techniques to add another layer of creativity to your compositions.

FAQs About Musical Modes

Conclusion

To put it all together, understanding musical modes is a crucial part of deepening your knowledge of music theory.

Whether you’re an aspiring musician or just someone eager to understand the art of music better, diving into modes can reveal why certain pieces of music give us specific feelings or convey particular atmospheres.

Remember that each mode holds its unique beauty and character.

So don’t be afraid to dive deep and experiment with them, be it Ionian’s joyfulness, Aeolian’s melancholy, or Dorian’s bitter-sweet charm. The world of musical modes awaits your exploration!