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Greek Modes easy as 123...7 Repeat

  • Writer: colin crawford
    colin crawford
  • Feb 26, 2023
  • 5 min read

Modes


  • C Ionian (major scale): C, D, E, F, G, A, B (no sharps or flats)

  • C Dorian: C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb (2 flats: Bb and Eb)

  • C Phrygian: C, Db, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb (4 flats: Bb, Eb, Ab, and Db)

  • C Lydian: C, D, E, F#, G, A, B (1 sharp: F#)

  • C Mixolydian: C, D, E, F, G, A, Bb (1 flat: Bb)

  • C Aeolian (natural minor scale): C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb (3 flats: Bb, Eb, and Ab)

  • C Locrian: C, Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb (5 flats: Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, and Gb)


C Dorian is a mode of the C major scale, starting on the second degree of the scale. Therefore, the notes in the C Dorian scale are:

C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb

The key signature for C Dorian has a flat 3rd (Eb) and a flat 7th (Bb).

C Dorian has a unique sound that is often associated with jazz, blues, and funk music. It is also commonly used in rock, pop, and R&B music, especially in songs with a soulful or groovy feel.

Some well-known examples of songs in C Dorian include "So What" by Miles Davis, "Scar Tissue" by Red Hot Chili Peppers, and "No Diggity" by Blackstreet. The mode's minor third (Eb) and major sixth (A) create a slightly more uplifting and optimistic sound than the natural minor scale, which makes it a popular choice for creating memorable and catchy melodies.


The key of C Phrygian is a mode of the C major scale, starting on the third degree of the scale. Therefore, the notes in the C Phrygian scale are:

C, Db, E, F, G, Ab, Bb

The key signature for C Phrygian has a flat 2nd (Db), flat 3rd (Eb), flat 6th (Ab), and flat 7th (Bb).

It's important to note that Phrygian is a minor mode, which means that it has a minor third (Eb) and a minor sixth (Ab). The flat 2nd and flat 7th degrees in the scale create a unique, "exotic" sound that is often used in Spanish, Flamenco, and Middle Eastern music.


C Lydian is a mode of the C major scale, starting on the fourth degree of the scale. Therefore, the notes in the C Lydian scale are:

C, D, E, F#, G, A, B

The key signature for C Lydian has a sharp 4th (F#).

C Lydian has a bright and uplifting sound that is often associated with film and video game music, as well as progressive rock and jazz fusion. It has a distinct and memorable sound due to its raised fourth degree, which creates a unique tension and release when played in a musical context.

One well-known example of a song that uses C Lydian is the theme from The Simpsons. The mode's raised fourth degree (F#) creates a distinctive and memorable melody that is instantly recognizable.

Other examples of songs in C Lydian include "YYZ" by Rush, "Theme of Laura" from the video game Silent Hill 2, and "Miles Runs the Voodoo Down" by Miles Davis.

In conclusion, C Lydian is a mode of the C major scale with a raised fourth degree, which creates a bright and uplifting sound that is often used in film and video game music, as well as progressive rock and jazz fusion.



C Mixolydian is a mode of the C major scale, starting on the fifth degree of the scale. Therefore, the notes in the C Mixolydian scale are:

C, D, E, F, G, A, Bb

The key signature for C Mixolydian has one flat (Bb), which is the same as the key signature for the F major scale.

C Mixolydian has a bluesy, rock and roll sound that is often used in genres such as blues, rock, country, and folk music. It is characterized by its major third (E) and minor seventh (Bb) degrees, which create a dominant seventh chord when played together.

Some well-known examples of songs in C Mixolydian include "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash, and "All Along the Watchtower" by Jimi Hendrix. These songs use the mode's dominant sound to create a powerful and driving groove that is often associated with American music.

In conclusion, C Mixolydian is a mode of the C major scale with a bluesy, rock and roll sound that is characterized by its major third and minor seventh degrees. It is often used in genres such as blues, rock, country, and folk music to create a dominant sound and driving groove.


C Aeolian is a mode of the C major scale, also known as the natural minor scale. Therefore, the notes in the C Aeolian scale are:

C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb

The key signature for C Aeolian has three flats (Bb, Eb, and Ab), which is the same as the key signature for the Eb major scale.

C Aeolian has a melancholic and introspective sound that is often used in ballads, rock, and metal music. It is characterized by its minor third (Eb), minor sixth (Ab), and minor seventh (Bb) degrees, which create a sad and emotional quality when played together.

Some well-known examples of songs in C Aeolian include "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin, "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica, and "I Will Remember You" by Sarah McLachlan. These songs use the mode's melancholic sound to create a sense of emotional depth and introspection that resonates with listeners.

In conclusion, C Aeolian is a mode of the C major scale, also known as the natural minor scale, with a melancholic and introspective sound. It is characterized by its minor third, minor sixth, and minor seventh degrees, which create a sad and emotional quality when played together.


C Locrian is a mode of the C major scale, starting on the seventh degree of the scale. Therefore, the notes in the C Locrian scale are:

C, Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb

The key signature for C Locrian has five flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, and Gb), which is the same as the key signature for the Db major scale.

C Locrian has a dark and unstable sound that is rarely used in mainstream music. It is characterized by its diminished fifth (Gb) and minor second (Db) degrees, which create a dissonant and unresolved tension when played together.

Some examples of songs that use C Locrian include "Descent" by Fear Factory and "Testify" by Rage Against the Machine. These songs use the mode's unstable sound to create a sense of tension and unease that matches the aggressive and confrontational nature of the music.

In conclusion, C Locrian is a mode of the C major scale with a dark and unstable sound that is rarely used in mainstream music. It is characterized by its diminished fifth and minor second degrees, which create a dissonant and unresolved tension when played together.


 
 
 

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