After learning about major and minor scales, then next piece of the music theory puzzle is to learn about modes. The most common modes are derived from the major scale. In fact, the minor scale itself can be thought of as a mode derived from the major scale. So first we are going review the basics of major and minor scales, then off to the modes.

 

 

The Major Scale
AKA Ionian Mode

The notes from  C - C (no sharps, no flats) make up a C major scale.

 

C major scale - C D E F G A B C

Each note in a major scale is numbered from 1 to 7. This is going to be very important as we dig deeper into modes.

C major scale - C D E F G A B C
                1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1

Basic C Major Scale Form Scale functions indicated |--7--|--1--|-----|--2--| -1st string |-----|--5--|-----|--6--| |--2--|-----|--3--|--4--| |--6--|-----|--7--|--1--| |--3--|--4--|-----|--5--| |-----|--1--|-----|--2--| -6th string          |         8th fret

Page 2, Review of the minor scale

 

Review of the major scale Review of the minor scale Relative modes Parallel modes Modes and chord scales

Major and minor modes Characteristic notes Establishing the sound of a mode Modes and chord use - scale fingering links