Chapter 3: Using Modal Scales

Overview

If you remember, from your college music theory training, the “modes” are derived from your basic major scale. There are seven modes:

  1. Ionian mode C D E F G A B C   (W-W-H-W-W-W-H)
  2. Doran Mode D E F G A B C D   (W-H-W-W-W-H-W)
  3. Phrygian Mode E F G A B C D E    (H-W-W-W-H-W-W)
  4. Lydian Mode F G A B C D E F    (W-W-W-H-W-W-H)
  5. Mixolydian Mode G A B C D E F G (W-W-H-W-W-H-W)
  6. Aeolian Mode A B C D E F G A   (W-H-W-W-H-W-W)
  7. Locrian Mode B C D E F G A B   (H-W-W-H-W-W-W)

Even though all seven modes are based on the C major scale (above example), in jazz we like to think of the use of each mode as an individual scale with its own function. Although the above modes are based on the same notes as the C major scale, they each function as a different key in their own right and you can think of the starting note of each mode as the tonic or key note of the relative major scale.

The way to look at this is each mode functions as its own key area. For instance, D Doran would be derived from C major and would be spelled (D E F G A B C D). But if it were Bb Doran then it be derived from the Ab major scale and would be spelled (Bb C Db Eb F G Ab Bb). G Mixolydian would be derived from the C major scale (G A B C D E F G) but Eb Mixolydian would be derived from the Ab major scale (Eb F G Ab Bb C Db Eb).

In this video Dr. Klee discusses what are the modal scales and demonstrates how to use them.

 

Go back to chapter 2

Go to chapter 4

Here are the practice songs I suggest you first work on for this chapter.

Practice Song No. 1-Alone Again

Practice Song No. 4-I Long for Your kiss

Practice Song No. 5-Magic Moment

Practice Song No. 6-Maybe Next Time

Practice Song No. 8-Relaxing with You

Practice Song No. 9-Times Forgotten

The pdf sheet music for these practice songs is located in chapter 18 in my book.