Comprehensive Guide to Church Modes

Modes

Alternative scales derived from Major and Minor key systems with distinct tonics and step patterns.

Tonic

The home note of a scale or mode.

Dorian

A minor mode with a raised 6th above the tonic.

Phrygian

A minor mode characterized by a lowered 2nd.

Lydian

A major mode with a raised 4th above the tonic.

Mixolydian

A major mode with a lowered 7th above the tonic.

Ionian

The standard Major scale, also known as the first mode.

Aeolian

The natural Minor scale, also known as the sixth mode.

Major Family

Modes that have a Major 3rd above the tonic, compared to Ionian.

Minor Family

Modes that have a Minor 3rd above the tonic, compared to Aeolian.

Lydian Formula

Whole - Whole - Whole - Half - Whole - Whole - Half.

Mixolydian Formula

Whole - Whole - Half - Whole - Whole - Half - Whole.

Dorian Formula

Whole - Half - Whole - Whole - Whole - Half - Whole.

Phrygian Formula

Half - Whole - Whole - Whole - Half - Whole - Whole.

Locrian

A minor mode with lowered 2nd and lowered 5th, creating an unstable tonic.

Solfege for Dorian

Do - Re - Me - Fa - Sol - La - Te - Do.

Solfege for Phrygian

Do - Ra - Me - Fa - Sol - Le - Te - Do.

Solfege for Lydian

Do - Re - Mi - Fi - Sol - La - Ti - Do.

Solfege for Mixolydian

Do - Re - Mi - Fa - Sol - La - Te - Do.

White Key Method

A method for visualizing modes based on the white keys of the piano.

Key Signature of D Dorian

0 sharps/flats, based on C Major.

Characteristic Interval of Lydian

Augmented 4th above Tonic.

Common Mistake with Dorian and Phrygian

Misidentifying based on the second note's movement.

Leading Tone in Mixolydian

It should be a lowered 7th, not a raised leading tone.

Mnemonic for Order of Modes

I Don’t Play Loud Music At Lunch.

Identifying Locrian Characteristics

Lowered 2nd and lowered 5th create a diminished quality.

Dorian's Unique Quality

It provides a brighter sound than Aeolian due to its raised 6th.

Use of Lydian

Commonly used for ethereal or dreamlike themes in music.

Usage of Mixolydian

Often found in rock and blues music.