# Relative and parallel modes

*Module 13 · Lesson 3: Modes · BazzLow*

> Find any mode on any tonic by its parent scale or by its formula.

Before this lesson: [13.2 The seven modes, one by one](https://bazzlow.com/en/modes/seven-modes/)

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

1. **By formula**: 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 ♭7 → C D E♭ F G A B♭.
2. **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:

*The seven modes on C and their parent scales.*

| 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.

## Try it

Build G Mixolydian and E Dorian both ways (by formula and by parent scale) and check you get the same notes.

## New terms

- relative modes
- parallel modes

Page: https://bazzlow.com/en/modes/relative-and-parallel-modes/