So what is a mode? Modes are scales based off the intervals of the major scale. That brings a question to mind. What came first, the major scale or modes?....That was supposed to be a joke:(

We know the formula for the major (or Ionian) scale half steps are between 3&4 and 7&8. Where would the half steps be if we started on the 2nd interval of the scale (D) and played the same notes that are in C major scale? let's just take a look oh visual one.

D Dorian half steps are between 2&3 and 6&7

G Mixolydian half steps are between 3&4 and 6&7. That's a dominant 7 scale!

A Aeolian mode half steps are between 2&3 and 5&6. That's a minor scale!

Get the idea? Time to pull out your staff paper and write out all the modes. Do as the examples above for each interval of the C major scale. Title each mode with the their tonic note and name. Starting with Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Locrian.

After writing each mode's formula, try writting and playing them in different keys. Write the Phrygian mode starting on Bb for instance. That would then be a Bb Phrygian.

Now lets' go ahead and build a four-note voicing (chord) for each mode.

Again we have the C major scale for our example. Here we have stacked the 1-3-5-7 on top of each interval building some kind of 7 chord for each mode.

Insted of identifying each chord by the scale's mode name, the scale interval is used.

The first chord of the scale would be the I chord. What type of chord is it? It's a major 7Chord. Why, because it has a major 3rd and a major 7. Remember the 5 doesn't tell us much unless it's been altered.

The two and three chords are minor 7 chords. They both have a minor 3rd and minor 7th.

The 4th chord is a major 7th chord like the 1 chord.

The 5 chord is an interesting one. It has a major 3rd with a minor 7th. That would make it a dominant 7 chord.

The 6th chord has a minor 3rd and 7th making it a minor 7th chord.

The 7th chord is very different. It has a minor 3rd and 7th with a flat 5th. That would be a half-diminished chord. Back to the C major 7th chord for number 8.

Modes are a lot to digest, let's review by highlighting a few pointers. (These pointers will relate to our next lesson as well. Don't worry so much about remembering the mode names)

• The II chord is a minor 7 chord. The Dorian mode is based off the 2nd interval of the major scale.
• The V chord is a dominant 7 chord. The Mixolydian mode is based off the 5th interval of the major scale.
• The I chord is a major 7 chord. The Ionian mode is a major scale.
• The VI chord is a minor 7 chord. The Aeolian mode is based off the 6th interval of the major scale. The Aeolian scale is a true minor scale.

With that in mind, It's time to introduce you to the II-V-I progressions and
9 for 1.