Modal scales are an essential part of your songwriting. They can have a dramatic impact on the mood and feeling of your song, as well as how listeners interpret it.

Scales in music come from modes, which are different ways to arrange the notes in a scale. There are many types of modes that can be used to create various moods for songs.

However, most musicians don’t know how to use modes or scales in their songwriting. Even if they do, it can be a challenge to remember which one is best for each situation.

The good news is that there are lots of different ways you can learn about music theory and improve your songwriting skills. But most of these resources are either too complicated or not practical enough for everyday use.

In this blog post, we will discuss each one and then how those scales can transform the song’s feeling instantly.

So, are Music Modes a Major Scale?

Musical modes come before the traditional western music scales date back to ancient Greek culture. They are also referred to as “church modes” in some circles.

Musical modes get derived from the parent scale (major and minor scales), and then each mode has its own set of notes, but technically the only major scale that is a mode is Ionian.

For example, if you are in a C major scale (all white keys on the piano), your notes would be:

• C (Tonic)
• D (Second)
• E (Third)
• F (Fourth)
• G (Fifth)
• A (Sixth)
• B (Seventh)
• C (Tonic)

However, when you start a melody on a scale degree other than the tonic in the major or minor scale, you are now playing a mode and not a scale.

In total, there is seven modes in music theory.

With these seven modes, there are major and minor modes which is important to understand when you are trying to figure out the vibe you want your melodic line to create when writing a song.

Major Modes

The major modes are:

• Ionian
• Lydian
• Mixolydian

Minor Modes

The minor modes are:

• Dorian
• Phrygian
• Aeolian

But wait I thought you said there was seven modes? This is only six…

There is also the Locrian mode which root note is based off of the seventh in the major scale which is a diminished.

So Locrian would be considered a diminished mode (although in music theory this isn’t really a thing), and in most cases sounds terrible.

What are the seven musical modes?

We will give a rundown of each of the seven modes and how they can affect the feeling of your music. Because, after all, who cares about the music theory if we can’t practically apply it, right?

Ionian Mode

The Ionian Mode starts on the first scale degree (note) and has the same notes as the major scale. A C Ionian Mode would have the same notes as the C Major Scale (seen above).

The Ionian Mode will give you your standard “Do, Rey, Mi” musical vibe. There’s nothing wrong with using the Ionian mode (or major scale) as it will give your music a traditional, western music tone. 

Dorian Mode

The Dorian Mode starts on the second scale degree (note) of a major scale and can have the same feel as a natural minor scale.

Dorian Mode is one of the three minor modes.

The difference between the natural minor scale and the Dorian Mode is that there is a raised 6th in the Dorian “scale.”

The Dorian Mode gives a foreboding vibe. So it would be an excellent mode to use if you are trying to communicate something dramatic is about to happen in your music.

Simon and Garfunkel’s “Scarborough Fair” uses the Dorian Mode as its primary melodic sound, as well as, the Beatles “Eleanore Rigby.”

Phrygian Mode

The Phrygian Mode starts on the third scale degree (note) in the major scale. Using the C Major Scale, the third would be an e minor.

The Phrygian Mode is one of the three minor modes and is sometimes referred to as the “gypsy scale.”

Because of this minor scale vibe, the Phrygian Mode generally has an unstable feeling and can be used to create tension within the music.

Phrygian Mode very dramatic contemplative, and mysterious. You’re not going to find it in a lot of pop music, but you will hear this mode in a theatre production or film score often.

Lydian Mode

The Lydian Mode started on the fourth scale degree (note) in the major.

Using the C Major Scale example, this would be the F.

The Lydian Mode is part of the major modes and modes in music often used with rock songs, jazz, and country music. The sound of this mode can be described as bright and dreamy.

It has a happy quality to it, making it very useful for songwriters looking to make their lyrics uplift the listener. However, since it is rooted in the fourth scale degree, it can still sound “unstable.”

Elliott Smith’s “Waltz #1” uses the Lydian Mode.

Mixolydian Mode

The Mixolydian Mode starts on the fifth scale degree (note) in the major.

Being another one of the major modes, the Mixolydian Mode has a happy, positive, and inspirational vibe to it.

Since this modes tonic starts on the fifth scale degree (a dominant note/chord), this particular mode gives the music a stable feeling.

The Mixolydian mode is used all over popular music.

Coldplay’s “Clocks” uses the Mixolydian mode.

Aeolian Mode

The Aeolian Mode starts of the sixth scale degree (note) in major scales.

The Aeolian Mode is the same as the natural minor scale and is one of the three minor modes.

This particular mode will give your music a feeling of sadness and longing while still having a “prettiness” about it. 

The Aeolian Mode is used widely in contemporary music.

R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion” uses the Aeolian modal sound.

Locrian Mode

The Locrian Mode starts on the seventh scale degree (note) in the major scale.

When a modes Locrian, its tonic is the seventh scale degree which is as unstable of a sound as a note can be.

It’s a half step from the tonic, and when you hear a seventh note or chord in a major scale, your ear wants it resolved ASAP.

Because of this, Locrian modes are not going to be a natural go-to for creating great pop melodies. You can create exciting melodies, but not very catchy ones.

Bjork uses it in verse for “Army of Me” if you want a more “pop” example.

The Locrian Mode was the type of scale that only existed in music theory alone as it is not very musical. 

However, it is now mostly used in jazz music.

What’s the difference between a Minor Mode and the Natural Minor Scale?

Depending on what minor mode you are talking about, little to nothing at all.

If you are talking about the Aeolian Mode, then the notes will be identical.

The natural minor scale starts on the sixth scale degree and ends on the sixth scale degree, the same as the Aeolian Mode.

However, the Dorian and Phrygian modes are similar to the natural minor scale but aren’t identical.

For example,

The Dorian has a raised 6th, while the Phrygian second scale degree is lowered a half step making it a minor second.

If you don’t understand what any of this music theory speak means, don’t worry about it.

Just play with what you learned and see what feels good and write some music!

Should you stick with only one of the musical modes in your song?

You may be asking yourself if you should stick with just one mode throughout your entire song when writing.

This all depends.

If you can think of modes like a type of chord for your song (remember, each mode comes with its inherent vibe), you could develop some unique and captivating melodies.

However, you have to trust your ear on this one. Just because you can use different modes throughout your song doesn’t mean that you should.

Remember that your melody is king, and if you make things too complicated, you risk losing your listener’s attention.

Experiment with the major and minor modes and try to use their “baked in” attitudes to create tension, lightness, and mood to guide your listeners on a journey.

Remember, at the end of the day, if it sounds right…it’s right.

Tips for using music modes in your songwriting process

Be aware of the chords within your key signature’s scale

Not every mode is going to play well with the chords you are playing.

You have to be aware of the notes within that chord progression and how the mode you choose to use will interact with the chord.

For example, if you are playing in the C Major key signature (all white keys on the piano) and your chord progression is C, G, Am.

A Mixolydian won’t play well over an A minor chord. It won’t work together because the A minor is a beautifully tragic chord and the Mixolydian is your optimistic and inspiring friend. The two won’t “gel,” and it will create the wrong kind of tension.

This goes into a deeper theory on melody making, but be aware of the chord and modal combinations you are working with.

Use stepwise melodic motion

When you write your modal melody, try and write in half steps and single whole steps only.

Don’t make huge jumps in your notes, and try and keep them sequential. This songwriting tip will make the melody easier to sing and catchy.

It will also help you create better motion in your melody because to return to the mode’s “home base (first scale degree),” you will have to step up or step down to it.

Use pentatonics when experimenting with music modes

Pentatonic scales are a five-tone scale.

It utilizes the first, second, third, fifth, and six scale degrees.

Pentatonics are lovely for working over pretty much any chord progression and are great for improvising.

To utilize this songwriting trick, only use the following modes for your next song:

• Ionian
• Dorian
• Phrygian
• Mixolydian
• Aeolian

When you play those modes, make sure to leave out the fourth and seventh scale degrees for the major pentatonic scale.

Leave out the 2nd and 6th for the minor pentatonic scale.

What’s cool about this trick is you will find more melodies that work with your song quickly, and it creates a bit of a “mystery” around which mode you might be using.

Go make music!

Music modes are a great way to add vibe to your next song strategically. Remember to experiment with the different inherent characteristics of each mode and see where it takes you melodically.

Make sure to listen to the examples that I provided of music that uses the different modes to start to train your ear and develop a greater appreciation for the music you listen to.

Now stop reading this and make music already!