MODES IN MUSIC

MODE

What is mode? It is otherwise known as church mode. It is the arrangement of seven notes to form  scales. Its use for soloing and jazz improvisation.

Unlike circle of fifth the explained how passing chord are used in progression, “mode” in its own circle can be useful, this is the secret of many jazz players and contemporary gospel piano players e.g. Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Cory Henry, Jamal Hartwell and so many more. Let explain the mode

There are seven types of church mode:

1.       Ionian

2.       Dorian

3.       Phrygian

4.       Lydian

5.       Mixolydian

6.       Aeolian

7.       Locrian

All these mode can be found in all the twelve keys (C, C^#, D, E^b, E, F, F^#, G A^b, A, B^b, B)

You can play each of these modes in each of these modes in each of this keys but let’s see further in the key of C

 On the keys of C

 

The other set of modes has its equivalence to the major scale of other keys

C Ionian is equivalent to C major scale

C Dorian is equivalent to  B^b major scale

C Phrygian is equivalent to A^b major scale

C Lydian is equivalent to G major scale

C Mixolydian is equivalent to F major scale

C Aoelian is equivalent to E^b major scale

C Locrian is equivalent to D^b major scale

How The Modes Works

if you want use this scales to solo or improvise it can be used in the progression of I – IV – V as arpeggios (broken chords) or as the scales of keys they form.

Note: Practice these chart using them, more so, listen to songs.

 Thanks I hope this helps