# What a mode is

*Module 13 · Lesson 1: Modes · BazzLow*

> Understand modes as the seven "rotations" of the major scale.

Before this lesson: [5.2 Scale degrees](https://bazzlow.com/en/major-scale-and-keys/scale-degrees/) · [6.2 Relative minor and relative major](https://bazzlow.com/en/minor-scales/relative-minor-and-major/)

Modes have a reputation for being difficult. They are not: a mode is the same seven notes with a different note as home.

## Rotating a scale

A **mode** is a scale you get by playing the notes of a **parent scale** starting from one of its degrees, and treating that note as the new tonic. The major scale has **seven modes**, one per degree. Using the notes of C major:

*The seven modes of the C major scale, with their step patterns.*

| Start | Mode | Notes | Steps |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| C | Ionian | C D E F G A B | W W H W W W H |
| D | Dorian | D E F G A B C | W H W W W H W |
| E | Phrygian | E F G A B C D | H W W W H W W |
| F | Lydian | F G A B C D E | W W W H W W H |
| G | Mixolydian | G A B C D E F | W W H W W H W |
| A | Aeolian | A B C D E F G | W H W W H W W |
| B | Locrian | B C D E F G A | H W W H W W W |

Each mode has **its own pattern of whole and half steps**: the two half steps fall in different places. That pattern is what gives each mode its sound, not the starting note alone. You already know two of them: **Ionian** is the major scale, and **Aeolian** is the natural minor scale (lesson 6.2 was a mode relationship). The others are **Dorian**, **Phrygian**, **Lydian**, **Mixolydian** and **Locrian**.

The names come from Greek regions via medieval church music. The medieval modes differed from the ancient Greek ones; the modern system uses the names only as labels.

## Hearing the tonic

Playing “D to D in C major” only sounds like Dorian when **D feels like home**, through a D bass note, a Dm chord or a drone. Otherwise it still sounds like C major. Hearing the tonic is essential.

The Modes and scales section of the Bass Map tool shows every mode on the neck.

## Try it

Hold an open D (or play it repeatedly), then play D to D using only the natural notes (D E F G A B C D) over it. Then do the same with an open E (E to E). The two sound very different, though the notes are the same.

## New terms

- mode
- parent scale
- Ionian
- Dorian
- Phrygian
- Lydian
- Mixolydian
- Aeolian
- Locrian

Page: https://bazzlow.com/en/modes/what-is-a-mode/