musical modes how to use different modes in music
Musical Modes: How to Use Different Modes in Music
Musical melodies and harmonies hold the power to touch even the hardest of hearts. That's one reason why musicians all over the world are on a constant lookout for ways to better their compositions. Incorporating modes in music is one of the best ways to do that.
- Ionian (i-o-nee-in): Also known as major scales, this is the most well-known of all the modes. The intervals in this scale create tension and release.
- Dorian (door-e-in): When any scale in the ionian mode is played with its second note as the first, it becomes a scale in the dorian mode. It ends on an incomplete note.
- Phrygian (fridge-e-in): The phyrgian mode of any key is when the ionian mode of that key is played with the third note as its first. The notes of this mode gels well with ionian scales.
- Lydian (lid-e-in): If the 4th note of the major scale is used as the first note, the result is the Lydian mode of that scale. It has a surprising blend of majors and minor notes.
- Mixolydian (mix-o-lid-e-in): Any major scale starting with the 5th note of its root key scale becomes the Mixolydian Mode of that scale. It's a blend of mostly major notes with few minor notes in between.
- Aeolian (a-o-lee-in): When the 6th note of a scale is played as the first note, then the scale thus formed becomes its Aeolian Mode. It is commonly called the minor scale.
- Locrian (lo-cree-in): When the first note of a scale is actually the 7th note of the root key in the major scale, it is called the Aeolian Mode of that root key. Mostly theoritical, the Locrian Mode is rarely used due to unworkable mixture of major and minor notes.
- The well-known 'major scales' is formed by intervals (or exclusion) of all the minors and using only the majors and perfects from the key construction formula.
- The other formula for major scales using the second method is: W-W-H-W-W-W-H (where W is a Whole Note and H is a Half Note). For example: The C Major scale can be formed using the formula like this: R - M2nd - M3rd - P4th - P5th -M6th -M7th - R.
- Using both of these formulas, the C Major Scale would be: C - D - E - F - G - A - B - C
- Ionian The sounds in this mode sound complete and give a feeling of satisfaction to the listener.Used In: Most of the popular songs make use of this mode.
- Dorian The unresolved final note makes it melancholic but is more of a balance between happy and sad sounds.Used In: Celtic music, early American folk songs and country or rock music make use of this mode. Eleanor Rigby, a well-known song by the Beatles, is played in the Dorian mode.
- Phrygian It has a feeling of mystery and sounds a little brooding.Used In: Preferred in guitar leads or solo compositions, they are also used in classical metal music. This mode was often used by Randy Rhoads.
- Lydian The unexpected sounds in this mode makes you feel very upbeat and joyous.Used In: It is often used in music meant for kids and in jazz and pop music.
- Mixolydian The blends in this mode make it sound hopeful and reflective.Used In: Due to its compatibility, it is used as a contrast to Ionian notes in solo music. Light rock, pop and blues are sometimes played in this mode.
- Aeolian The sounds in this mode are sad, almost like a lament or distress.Used In: Modern blues and rock music are usually played in this mode.
- Locrian The sounds in this mode are depressing, glum and very sulky.Used In: The unusual interval in notes makes it ideal for heavy metal and dark classical music.
- So, dorian mode of C will be: D E F G A B C D.
- The C Ionian Mode now becomes the D Dorian Mode.
- If the intervals in this mode are considered, they will be: W H W W W H W.
- Also, it can be seen that the 3rd and the 7th notes have been lowered by half a note from the ionian scale, i.e., they have been replaced by their flats.