Scales reference
Modes of the Major Scale
The modes of the major scale are seven related seven-note collections created by treating each degree of a major-scale pitch set as a tonal centre.
Developing reference
The Modal Family
Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian share a parent system but do not sound or behave as simple renamings of one another. Each places a different pattern of intervals around its tonic.
A mode is defined by more than playing a major scale from a different starting note. The chosen tonic, harmonic support, melodic emphasis, and cadential behaviour must make that mode feel central.
Family Relationship
Starting from successive degrees of one major scale reveals the seven relative modes. Transposing each mode to a common tonic makes their interval differences easier to compare and separates modal identity from a single shared pitch set.
Tonal Centre and Characteristic Degrees
Each mode gains its identity from the relationship between its tonic and the surrounding degrees. One or two characteristic degrees often distinguish it clearly from the nearest major or natural-minor reference.
Applications
Modal study supports melody, improvisation, composition, chord-scale awareness, and recognition of harmony that does not behave like conventional major or minor tonality. Individual mode references provide the detail needed for each collection.