Learn the modes
Seven modes, one set of piano notes
Compare all seven musical modes with interval formulas, characteristic notes, diatonic chords, and playable piano examples.
A simple comparison
Use the white keys, change the home note
These examples rotate the notes of C major. Start on C for Ionian, D for Dorian, and continue through B Locrian. The notes stay the same; the tonic, interval formula, and harmonic pull change.
01
All seven modes at a glance
Focus first on the altered degree that makes each mode different.
| Mode | Example | Formula | Listen for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ionian Mode | C | 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 | major 3rd and major 7th |
| Dorian Mode | D | 1 – 2 – ♭3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – ♭7 | major 6th |
| Phrygian Mode | E | 1 – ♭2 – ♭3 – 4 – 5 – ♭6 – ♭7 | minor 2nd |
| Lydian Mode | F | 1 – 2 – 3 – ♯4 – 5 – 6 – 7 | augmented 4th |
| Mixolydian Mode | G | 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – ♭7 | minor 7th |
| Aeolian Mode | A | 1 – 2 – ♭3 – 4 – 5 – ♭6 – ♭7 | minor 6th |
| Locrian Mode | B | 1 – ♭2 – ♭3 – 4 – ♭5 – ♭6 – ♭7 | diminished 5th |
Mode guideIonian Mode1–2–3–4–5–6–7. Example in C.Mode guideDorian Mode1–2–♭3–4–5–6–♭7. Example in D.Mode guidePhrygian Mode1–♭2–♭3–4–5–♭6–♭7. Example in E.Mode guideLydian Mode1–2–3–♯4–5–6–7. Example in F.Mode guideMixolydian Mode1–2–3–4–5–6–♭7. Example in G.Mode guideAeolian Mode1–2–♭3–4–5–♭6–♭7. Example in A.Mode guideLocrian Mode1–♭2–♭3–4–♭5–♭6–♭7. Example in B.
See the modes on the circle
The interactive circle of fifthslets you choose every key and all seven modes, then play the scale or its diatonic chords.