Modes

Question 1

What are the names of the seven musical modes?

Answer 1

1. Ionian
2. Dorian
3. Phrygian
4. Lydian
5. Mixolydian
6. Aeolian
7. Locrian

Remembering the names and orders of all modes is useful.

Question 2

Which four modes are generally used in Celtic folk music?

Answer 2

1. Ionian
2. Dorian
3. Mixolydian
4. Aeolian

These modes are the focus of the book, though all modes are important to remember.

Question 3

What is the Ionian mode also known as?

Answer 3

Standard major

The Ionian mode is the foundation of the major scale.

Question 4

How is the Dorian mode characterized?

Answer 4

‘Optimistic’ minor

The Dorian mode has a distinctive sound that evokes a positive feeling.

Question 5

What is the characteristic sound of the Mixolydian mode?

Answer 5

Major with a flattened 7th note

This gives the Mixolydian mode a bluesy sound.

Question 6

What does the Aeolian mode represent?

Answer 6

‘Pessimistic’ minor

The Aeolian mode conveys a more melancholic feeling.

Question 7

What is the most important skill for a backing guitarist?

Answer 7

Developing your ear

A guitarist should listen and play simple chords in the right places.

Question 8

Why is it useful to internalize the characteristic sound of each mode?

Answer 8

To help with the identification of modes

It aids in recognizing modes on a first listen through a tune.

Question 9

True or False: A guitarist who plays complicated but irrelevant progressions is better than one who plays simple chords correctly.

Answer 9

False

The ability to play simple chords in the right places is more valuable.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: The Dorian mode is characterized as _______.

Answer 10

‘optimistic’ minor

This description reflects the emotional quality of the mode.

Question 13

What does Bocking Gui mean?

Answer 13

The third note of the scale is flattened by a semitone compared to the third note in the major scale with the same root note.

Example: A D mixolydian scale contains the notes D, E, F#, G, A, B, C.

Question 14

What notes does a D mixolydian scale contain?

Answer 14

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

This scale includes all the notes of a D major scale but with the seventh, C#, flattened to C.

Question 15

What is the difference between the Dorian mode and the major scale?

Answer 15

b3, b7

The Dorian mode has a flattened third and flattened seventh compared to the major scale.

Question 16

What is the sound/character of the Ionian mode?

Answer 16

Standard happy scale

Often associated with a joyful and uplifting sound.

Question 17

What characterizes the Dorian mode?

Answer 17

Optimistic minor

It conveys the feeling of a jubilant post-battle scene from a film about knights.

Question 18

What is the sound/character of the Mixolydian mode?

Answer 18

Blues-y, generally happy but with a haunting, mystical quality

The flattened seventh adds a unique character to the Mixolydian mode.

Question 19

What is the Aeolian mode also known as?

Answer 19

Pessimistic minor

It is recognized as the natural minor scale by classically trained musicians.

Question 20

How does the Aeolian mode differ from the Dorian mode?

Answer 20

The sixth note is a semitone lower in Aeolian.

This difference contributes to a more somber sound in the Aeolian mode.

Question 21

What emotions or imagery does the Aeolian mode evoke?

Answer 21

Oil slicks, forest fires, and death

The sound is often described as dark and melancholic.

Question 22

What should learners pay particular attention to when memorizing modes?

Answer 22

The difference between Ionian and Mixolydian

Listening to recordings of each mode’s scale can aid in this memorization.