Major Musical Modes from Bright to Dark

There are seven major musical modes. If you start on C and work your way through, E, F, G, A, and B, they are respectively Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian. There are 3 Major Modes (Lydian, Ionian, and Mixolydian) distinct by the major 3rd, 3 Minor modes (Dorian, Aeolian, and Phrygian) distinct by the minor 3rd, and 1 diminished mode (Locrian) distinct with its flatted 5th.

The modes can be arranged from bright to dark to offer unique expressions in improvisation. It is interesting to note that each note that is lowered as you progress down the modes is a tritone away from the previous note that was lowered. For example, in C Ionian, F# is a tritone away from C, and F# is lowered to F. The next mode down, C Mixolydian, B, which is a tritone away from F, is lowered to Bb. Let’s look at the modes from bright to dark using the common tone of C; the significant pitch that distinguishes it from the other modes. The Major and Minor seconds are given as M2 and m2 respectively.

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Starting with the C Lydian mode, which is on the 4th degreee of the scale, is known for its bright tonality due to its #4 characteristic note. The raised fourth note (F#) distinguishes it from other modes and grants it a unique, shimmering sound that feels more uplifting than the standard major scale. It is often associated with a sense of wonder and expansiveness, making it the brightest and most optimistic mode. The scale intervals are M2, M2, M2, m2, M2, M2, m2. It consists of the following notes:

The Ionian mode, which is on the 1st degree of the scale, is distinct from the Lydian mode by the perfect 4th. This is essentially the major scale, and is characterized by its bright and stable sound. It is the foundation of Western music theory, defined by an uplifting sequence of intervals that provide a sense of resolution and contentment.The scale intervals are M2, M2, m2, M2, M2, M2, m2. It consists of the following notes

In order to create a harmonious mode that is slightly less bright, we can modify C Ionian by lowering the seventh note (B) to a flat seventh (Bb). This will transition us into the realm of C Mixolydian, which is on the 5th degree of the scale. This mode will still have a major feel, but it will introduce a bluesy or slightly more relaxed vibe due to the lowered seventh. TThe scale intervals are M2, M2 m2, M2, M2, m2, M2. It consists of the following notes:

As we progress towards a more intricate and diverse sound, we need to decrease the third note (E) to a minor third (Eb). This alteration transforms our scale into C Dorian, which is on the 2nd degree of the scale. This musical mode still retains a major sixth (A), which adds a touch of brightness, but it also introduces a cooler, jazzier vibe with its minor third. This scale is unique as it is a palindrome (same forwards and backwards). The scale intervals are M2, m2, M2, M2, M2, m2, M2. It consists of the following notes:

As we look for a somber and reflective mood, we can modify the sixth note (A) to a minor sixth (Ab), which leads us to the C Aeolian scale, which is on the 6th degree of the scale, also known as the natural minor scale. This scale is recognized for its emotional intensity, where the third note (Eb) and the sixth note (Ab) play a significant role in its distinct minor tonality. The scale intervals are M2, m2, M2, M2, m2, M2, M2. It consists of the following notes:

As we explore more unusual and mysterious musical territories, we take the second note of the scale (D) and lower it by one half-step, resulting in a flat second (Db). This brings us to the C Phrygian mode, which is on the 3rd degree of the scale. It is characterized by a unique half-step between the root and the second note. This gives it a mystical and enigmatic quality. The scale intervals are m2, M2, M2, M2, m2, M2, M2. It consists of the following notes:

To achieve the darkest mode of all, we lower the fifth note (G) to a flat fifth note (Gb), which gives us C Locrian, which is on the 7th degree of the scale. This mode has the most dissonant and unstable sound and is often used sparingly for its tension-filled quality. The diminished fifth note (Gb) creates a sense of unresolved suspense in the music. The scale intervals are m2, M2, M2, m2, M2, M2, M2. It consists of the following notes: