Modes of the Major scale

The major scale starting on C is :

We can create other scales by starting on each of the notes of the major scale.

These new scales are called modes.

Below is each mode from the C major scale. Then each mode is transposed to start on C with the scale degree numbers and the chord associated with the mode.

Ionian mode

Scale degree 1 to 1 of a major scale.
The Ionian mode is the same as the major scale.

Dorian mode

Scale degree 2 to 2 of a major scale.

Dorian mode is a major scale with b3 and b7 scale degrees.
OR
Dorian mode is a natural minor scale on the same starting note with a raised 6 (#6) scale degree.

Phrygian mode

Scale degree 3 to 3 of a major scale.

Phrygian mode is a major scale starting on the same note with b2, b3, b6, and b7 scale degrees.
OR
Phrygian mode is a natural minor scale with a lowered 2 (b2) scale degree.

Lydian Mode

Scale degree 4 to 4 of a major scale.
Locrian mode is like a major scale starting on the same note with a raised 4 (#4) scale degree.

Mixolydian Mode

Scale degree 5 to 5 of a major scale.
Mixolydian mode is like a major scale starting on the same note with a b7 scale degree.

Aeolian mode

Aeolian mode is the same as the natural minor scale.

Aeolian mode is scale degree 6 to 6 of a major scale.
OR
Aeolian mode is a major scale starting on the same note with b3, b6 and b7 scale degrees.

Locrian Mode

Scale degree 7 to 7 of a major scale.
OR
Locrian mode is a major scale with b2, b3, b5, b6, b7.

These modes (with the exception of the Locrian mode) date back to the Medieval times in music history. A such, they are referred to as the Greek modes. You can read more about the history of the Greek modes in the Encyclopedia Britannica.

Exercises

Play the modes. Transpose to other notes and play those. (PDF of modes here.)

Play the chords associated with the modes. Transpose to other notes and play those modes. (PDF of the 13 chords here.)

Improvise on the modes and the chords.