Greek Modes

Greek modes are musical scales that have their roots in Ancient Greece and have been adapted throughout the history of Western music. They are fundamental to music theory, influencing harmony, melody, and improvisation across various musical genres. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Greek modes, their characteristics, their applications in modern music, and how they can be utilized by music students.

The original Greek modes were named after regions or peoples of Ancient Greece: Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian. These modes form the basis of Western music and were used by the Greeks for different purposes, such as religious rituals, dramas, and festivities.

In the Middle Ages, the Greek modes were adapted by the Roman Catholic Church to create the system of ecclesiastical modes, which became the foundation of medieval sacred music. This system was simplified and modified, resulting in a set of modes that included Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, and Mixolydian, among others.

The Seven Greek Modes

Greek modes can be understood as different diatonic scales that start on different degrees of the major scale (Ionian scale). Each mode has a unique interval structure that gives it a particular sound.

Today, we classify modes as major or minor, depending on the first chord they form in their harmonic field.

Major Modes

• Ionian
• Lydian
• Mixolydian

Minor Modes

• Dorian
• Phrygian
• Aeolian
• Locrian (which can also be classified as half-diminished)

Ionian Mode

The Ionian mode is identical to the traditional major scale. It is bright and stable, being widely used in Western music.

Whole and Half Step Formula: Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half

Interval Formula: 1P 2M 3M 4P 5P 6M 7M

Third: Major

Characteristic Interval: Perfect 4th

Example of C Ionian

Notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C

Characteristic Note: F

Reference Scale: Same notes as C Major

Example of D Ionian

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

Characteristic Note: G

Reference Scale: Same notes as D Major

Example of E Ionian

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

Characteristic Note: A

Reference Scale: Same notes as E Major

Example of F Ionian

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

Characteristic Note: Bb

Reference Scale: Same notes as F Major

Example of G Ionian

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

Characteristic Note: F#

Reference Scale: Same notes as G Major

Example of A Ionian

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

Characteristic Note: G#

Reference Scale: Same notes as A Major

Example of B Ionian

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

Characteristic Note: A#

Reference Scale: Same notes as B Major

Dorian Mode

The Dorian mode is frequently used in jazz and folk music. It has a sound that blends major and minor characteristics, thanks to its major sixth degree.

Whole and Half Step Formula: Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole

Interval Formula: 1P 2M 3m 4P 5P 6M 7m

Third: Minor

Characteristic Interval: Major 6th

Example of C Dorian

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

Characteristic Note: A

Reference Scale: Same notes as Bb Major

Example of D Dorian

Notes: D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D

Characteristic Note: B

Reference Scale: Same notes as C Major

Example of E Dorian

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

Characteristic Note: C#

Reference Scale: Same notes as D Major

Example of F Dorian

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

Characteristic Note: D

Reference Scale: Same notes as Eb Major

Example of G Dorian

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

Characteristic Note: E

Reference Scale: Same notes as F Major

Example of A Dorian

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

Characteristic Note: F#

Reference Scale: Same notes as G Major

Example of B Dorian

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

Characteristic Note: G#

Reference Scale: Same notes as A Major

Phrygian Mode

The Phrygian mode has a dark and exotic sound due to its minor second degree. It is common in flamenco and classical music.

Whole and Half Step Formula: Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole

Interval Formula: 1P 2m 3m 4P 5P 6m 7m

Third: Minor

Characteristic Interval: Minor 2nd

Example of C Phrygian

Notes: C, Db, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C

Characteristic Note: Db

Reference Scale: Same notes as Ab Major

Example of D Phrygian

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

Characteristic Note: Eb

Reference Scale: Same notes as Bb Major

Example of E Phrygian

Notes: E, F, G, A, B, C, D, E

Characteristic Note: F

Reference Scale: Same notes as C Major

Example of F Phrygian

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

Characteristic Note: Gb

Reference Scale: Same notes as Db Major

Example of G Phrygian

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

Characteristic Note: Ab

Reference Scale: Same notes as Eb Major

Example of A Phrygian

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

Characteristic Note: Bb

Reference Scale: Same notes as F Major

Example of B Phrygian

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

Characteristic Note: C

Reference Scale: Same notes as G Major

Lydian Mode

The Lydian mode has an augmented fourth degree, providing a bright and unstable sound. It is used in jazz, rock, and modern classical music.

Whole and Half Step Formula: Whole, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half

Interval Formula: 1P 2M 3M 4A 5P 6M 7M

Third: Major

Characteristic Interval: Augmented 4th

Example of C Lydian

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

Characteristic Note: F#

Reference Scale: Same notes as G Major

Example of D Lydian

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

Characteristic Note: G#

Reference Scale: Same notes as A Major

Example of E Lydian

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

Characteristic Note: A#

Reference Scale: Same notes as B Major

Example of F Lydian

Notes: F, G, A, B, C, D, E, F

Characteristic Note: B

Reference Scale: Same notes as C Major

Example of G Lydian

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

Characteristic Note: C#

Reference Scale: Same notes as D Major

Example of A Lydian

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

Characteristic Note: D#

Reference Scale: Same notes as E Major

Example of B Lydian

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

Characteristic Note: E# (F)

Reference Scale: Same notes as F# Major

Mixolydian Mode

The Mixolydian mode is similar to the major scale but with a minor seventh degree. It is common in rock, blues, and folk music.

Whole and Half Step Formula: Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole

Interval Formula: 1P 2M 3M 4P 5P 6M 7m

Third: Major

Characteristic Interval: Minor 7th

Example of C Mixolydian

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

Characteristic Note: Bb

Reference Scale: Same notes as F Major

Example of D Mixolydian

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

Characteristic Note: C

Reference Scale: Same notes as G Major

Example of E Mixolydian

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

Characteristic Note: D

Reference Scale: Same notes as A Major

Example of F Mixolydian

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

Characteristic Note: Eb

Reference Scale: Same notes as Bb Major

Example of G Mixolydian

Notes: G, A, B, C, D, E, F, G

Characteristic Note: F

Reference Scale: Same notes as C Major

Example of A Mixolydian

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

Characteristic Note: G

Reference Scale: Same notes as D Major

Example of B Mixolydian

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

Characteristic Note: G

Reference Scale: Same notes as E Major

Aeolian Mode

The Aeolian mode corresponds to the natural minor scale. It is melancholic and widely used in various musical styles.

Whole and Half Step Formula: Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole

Interval Formula: 1P 2M 3m 4P 5P 6m 7m

Third: Minor

Characteristic Interval: Minor 6th

Example of C Aeolian

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

Characteristic Note: Ab

Reference Scale: Same notes as Eb Major

Example of D Aeolian

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

Characteristic Note: Bb

Reference Scale: Same notes as F Major

Example of E Aeolian

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

Characteristic Note: C

Reference Scale: Same notes as G Major

Example of F Aeolian

Notes: F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F

Characteristic Note: Db

Reference Scale: Same notes as Ab Major

Example of G Aeolian

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

Characteristic Note: Eb

Reference Scale: Same notes as Bb Major

Example of A Aeolian

Notes: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A

Characteristic Note: F

Reference Scale: Same notes as C Major

Example of B Aeolian

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

Characteristic Note: G

Reference Scale: Same notes as D Major

Locrian Mode

The Locrian mode is the least common and is characterized by its diminished fifth degree, creating an unstable and tense sound. It is rarely used in popular music.

Whole and Half Step Formula: Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole

Interval Formula: 1P 2m 3m 4P 5d 6m 7m

Third: Minor

Characteristic Interval: Diminished 5th

Example of C Locrian

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

Characteristic Note: Gb

Reference Scale: Same notes as Db Major

Example of D Locrian

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

Characteristic Note: Ab

Reference Scale: Same notes as Eb Major

Example of E Locrian

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

Characteristic Note: Bb

Reference Scale: Same notes as F Major

Example of F Locrian

Notes: F, Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, F

Characteristic Note: Bb

Reference Scale: Same notes as Gb Major

Example of G Locrian

Notes: G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G

Characteristic Note: Db

Reference Scale: Same notes as Ab Major

Example of A Locrian

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

Characteristic Note: Eb

Reference Scale: Same notes as Bb Major

Example of B Locrian

Notes: B, C, D, E, F, G, A, B

Characteristic Note: F

Reference Scale: Same notes as C Major

Reference Scale

Each Greek mode can be thought of as starting on a specific note that corresponds to a degree of a major scale. The table below shows how each mode can be understood this way.

How to Find the Reference Scale?

To determine the reference scale of a specific note in a particular mode, follow these simple steps. We will use G Dorian as an example to illustrate the process.

• Choose the Note and Mode: First, choose the note for which you want to find the reference scale. In our example, the note is G and the mode is Dorian.
• Identify the Mode Degree: The Dorian mode corresponds to the second degree of a major scale. Therefore, we need to identify which major scale G is the second degree of.
• Ask Yourself: Which major scale has G as the second degree?
• Find the Answer: The answer is F major. G is the second degree of the F major scale.

The G Dorian scale has the same notes as the F major scale. Therefore, thinking in G Dorian is the same as thinking of G as the second degree of F major.

Now let's consider another example: We know that the G Mixolydian scale has the same notes as the C major scale.

Here's how to discover this:

• Choose the Note and Mode: First, we must choose the note for which we want to discover the reference scale; in this case, it is G.
• Identify the Mode Degree: Let's consider the mode. When we talk about the Mixolydian mode, we are referring to the fifth degree of a major scale.
• Ask the Question: So, we ask the question: G is the fifth degree of which major scale?
• Answer: The answer is C major.

G Mixolydian is the same as thinking of G as the fifth degree of C major.

Applicability

Applying Greek modes in music can be challenging, but understanding some basic principles can help clarify the process. Here are some guidelines on how to apply Greek modes, considering both chords and the tonality of the music.

Understanding the Tonality of Music

The first step in applying Greek modes is to understand the tonality of the music you are working with. The tonality will determine which notes and chords are naturally compatible and provide a basis for exploring the modes.

Example

If the music is in C major, you can use the Greek modes derived from the C major scale: Ionian (C), Dorian (D), Phrygian (E), Lydian (F), Mixolydian (G), Aeolian (A), and Locrian (B).

Relating Modes to Chords

Each chord in a tonality can be associated with a specific mode that highlights its characteristics.

Example in C Major

• C (major chord): Ionian Mode (C D E F G A B C)
• Dm (minor chord): Dorian Mode (D E F G A B C D)
• Em (minor chord): Phrygian Mode (E F G A B C D E)
• F (major chord): Lydian Mode (F G A B C D E F)
• G (major chord): Mixolydian Mode (G A B C D E F G)
• Am (minor chord): Aeolian Mode (A B C D E F G A)
• Bdim (diminished chord): Locrian Mode (B C D E F G A B)

When playing a C major chord, you can improvise or compose using the C Ionian scale (C D E F G A B C). If the chord changes to D minor (Dm), you can shift to the Dorian scale of D (D E F G A B C D).

Modes and Chord Changes

When improvising or composing, you can use the modes to navigate chord changes, creating melodic lines that fit the harmonies.

Strategies

• Identify the chord: Determine the current chord and choose the appropriate mode.
• Smooth transition: When changing from one chord to another, consider the common notes between the modes for a smooth transition.
• Target notes: Focus on specific notes of the chords to reinforce the harmony.

Practical Example

Suppose you are playing a chord progression C - Dm - G - C. Here is how you can apply the modes:

• C: Use the C Ionian mode.
• Dm: Transition to the D Dorian mode.
• G: Move to the G Mixolydian mode.
• C: Return to the C Ionian mode.

Experimentation and Creativity

Greek modes are tools to expand your musical vocabulary. Experiment with different modes over chords and progressions to find sounds you like. Tips:

• Practice each mode: Familiarize yourself with the sound and intervals of each mode.
• Experiment with backing tracks: Play along with backing tracks in different keys and chords to apply the modes in context.

Conclusion

Greek modes are an essential part of music theory, offering a rich palette of sounds for musicians of all levels and styles. Studying and experimenting with these modes can enrich your musical practice, opening new creative possibilities. If you are a music student, explore each mode and discover how they can be integrated into your compositions and performances.