Relative and parallel modes
Find any mode on any tonic by its parent scale or by its formula.
Two questions come up constantly: which notes does this mode have, and which modes share notes? Both have a clear answer.
Relative and parallel
Relative modes share one parent scale: C Ionian, D Dorian, E Phrygian… all use C major’s notes. Parallel modes share one tonic: C Ionian, C Dorian, C Phrygian… each comes from a different parent scale.
Two ways to build C Dorian
- By formula: 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 ♭7 → C D E♭ F G A B♭.
- By parent scale: Dorian is the 2nd mode, so the parent is the major scale whose 2nd degree is C, which is B♭ major. Its notes from C: C D E♭ F G A B♭.
The parent scale of each mode, from the mode’s tonic:
| Mode (degree) | Parent major key is… | C mode → parent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ionian (1) | the same note | C | C D E F G A B C |
| Dorian (2) | a whole step below | B♭ | C D E♭ F G A B♭ C |
| Phrygian (3) | a major 3rd below | A♭ | C D♭ E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C |
| Lydian (4) | a perfect 4th below | G | C D E F♯ G A B C |
| Mixolydian (5) | a perfect 5th below | F | C D E F G A B♭ C |
| Aeolian (6) | a minor 3rd above | E♭ | C D E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C |
| Locrian (7) | a half step above | D♭ | C D♭ E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭ C |
The key signature of a mode is that of its parent: D Dorian has no sharps or flats; C Dorian has two flats.
On the bass
On the bass, a mode is the shape of its parent scale with a different root. Many players think in formulas (the Degrees view), which is faster in practice. The same C Dorian and C Aeolian shapes of lesson 13.2 show the one note that separates them.
Build G Mixolydian and E Dorian both ways (by formula and by parent scale) and check you get the same notes.
New terms
Tools
- Bass Map: Arpeggios, circle of fifths, natural harmonics, modes and scales on the bass neck, in any key.