Scales and Modes Flashcards
Major tone pattern
T T S T T T S
Minor tone pattern
T S T T S T T
Minor Pentatonic (LA)
La - (Ti) - Do - Re - Mi - (Fa) - So - La
Major Pentatonic (DO)
Do - Re - Mi - (Fa) - So - La - (Ti) - Do
Relative Minors
C Major: C - D - E - F - G - A - B - C
A Minor: A - B - C - D - E - F - G
Start on the 6th note (La) of the major scale. Or count 3 letter notes and semitones down.
Harmonic Minors
It is a natural minor scale with a raised 7th. It has an ‘Egyptian sound.’
Melodic Minors
It is major sounding when it ascends a raised 6th and 7th degree, which are then bought back down when the scale descends.
Blues Scale tone
1 - ♭3 - 4 - ♭5 - 5 - ♭7 - 8
L - Do - R - Mi - Me - S - L
It is a hybrid Minor pentatonic with an extra ♭5
Write the key signature based off of the do (3rd)
Explain Ionian mode
It is the first mode, it is the major scale.
Explain Dorian Mode
Provide an example.
It is the second mode because it is the second degree of a major scale. To figure it out, you must count 2 letter names and 2 semitones to find the key signature that you are using.
For example: B Dorian is taken from the A major scale w/ 3♯’s. So you write the scale with B as your tonic, but use the key signature from A major.
A shortcut can be the major scale with a♭3 and ♭7.
Explain Phrygian Mode
Provide an example.
It is the third mode because it is the third degree of the major scale. To figure it out, you must count 3 letter names and 4 semitones (a major 3rd) to find the key signature that you are using.
For example: A Phrygian is taken from the F Major scale with 1♭. A is your tonic, but uses the key signature from F major.
Explain Lydian Mode
Provide an example.
A shortcut can be the major scale with a ♯4
It is the fourth mode because it is the fourth degree of the major scale. To figure it out, you must count 4 letter names and 5 semitones (P4)
For example: E♭ Lydian is the P4th of B♭major. So you start on E♭ but use the key signature for B♭major.
Explain Mixolydian Mode
Provide an example.
A shortcut can be the major scale with ♭7
It is the fifth mode because it is the fifth degree of the major scale. To figure it out, you must count 5 letter names and 7 semitones.
For example: A Mixolydian is the 5th of D Major. You start on A but use the key of D major.
Explain the Aeolian Mode
It is the 6th degree of the major scale, so it is a natural minor.
An example is A aeolian is based off the C major scale.
Explain Lochrian Mode
Provide an example
It is the seventh mode because it is the seventh degree of the major scale. To figure it out, you must go UP 2 letter names and 1 semitone.
For example: A Lochrian draws from the B♭major scale. You start on A, but use the key signature for B♭.
