7 Modes of the Major Scale: Notes & Formulas for Modal Scales

🤹‍♂️ An easy reference for the scales in the 7 modes of the major scale: Ionian (major), Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian (minor) and Locrian. You'll notice that they are organized by fifths, as with the circle of fifths, to help visualize the relationship between keys.

You might like this chart that illustrates the mode relationships to the major scale.

Ionian Mode

The ionian mode is the same as the major scale. In other words, it's the major scale, unmodified.

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Dorian Mode

From the major scale, the dorian mode is created by flattening the 3rd and flattening the 7th. Or, just like the natural minor scale, but with a raised 6th scale degree.

→ full Dorian mode reference

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Phrygian Mode

From the major scale, the phrygian mode is created by flattening the 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th. Or, just like the natural minor scale, but with a flattening 2nd scale degree.

→ full Phrygian mode reference

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Lydian Mode

From the major scale, the lydian mode is created by raising the 4th scale degree.

→ full Lydian mode reference

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Mixolydian Mode

From the major scale, the mixolydian mode is created by flattening the 7th scale degree.

→ full Mixolydian mode reference

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Aeolian Mode

The aeolian mode is the same as the minor scale. It's obtained from the major scale by flattening the 3rd, 6th and 7th scale degrees.

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Locrian Mode

From the major scale, the locrian mode is created by flattening the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th scale degrees. Or, starting from the minor scale, the locrian is obtained by flattening the 2nd and 5th scale degrees.

→ full Locrian mode reference

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piano samples

The piano samples used for this reference to the 7 modes of the major scale are from “Salamander Grand Piano V3” by Alexander Holm, licensed under CC BY 3.0.