The Modes of the Major Scale can be found in an
easier way similar to the way the Pentatonic and
Blues Scales can be found
A-The Hard Way
By using the Major Scales and Modes Slide Rule
and plotting out the formulas shown for the
Ionian Mode* =1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 1.
Dorian Mode = 1. 2. b3. 4. 5. 6. b7. 1.
Phrygian Mode =1. b2. b3. 4. 5. b6. b7. 1.
Lydian Mode =1. 2. 3. #4. 5. 6. 7. 1.
Mixolydian Mode =1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. b7. 1.
Aeolian Mode =1. 2. b3. 4. 5. b6. b7. 1.
Locrian Mode =1. b2. b3. 4. b5. b6. b7. 1.
*(Except for the Major Scale (also knkow as
The Ionian Mode)where you do use and
follow the numbers 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.1.)
B-The Easy Way - Use the Major Scale Slide Rule
Remember with the Pentatonic scales I mentioned
that the 6th note of any Major Scale is known as the
relative minor e.g. in the Key of:
C Major. A minor is the relative minor.
(The relative minor is also known as the
Aeolian Mode (The 6th Mode))
So the Easy Way to find any Mode is:
To find the 1st Mode (The Major Scale. (Ionian Mode)
slide insert so the No. 1 is over the Key you want
Follow the numbers 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.1.
To find the 2nd Mode (The Dorian Mode)
slide insert so the No. 2 is over the Key you want
Follow the numbers 2.3.4.5.6.7.1.2.
To find the 3rd Mode (The Phrygian Mode)
slide insert so the No. 3 is over the Key you want
Follow the numbers 3.4.5.6.7.1.2.3.
To find the 4th Mode (The Lydian Mode)
slide insert so the No. 4 is over the Key you want
Follow the numbers 4.5.6.7.1.2.3.4.
To find the 5th Mode (The Mixoydian Mode)
slide insert so the No. 5 is over the Key you want
Follow the numbers 5.6.7.1.2.3.4.5.
To find the 6th Mode (The Aeolian Mode)
slide insert so the No. 6 is over the Key you want
Follow the numbers 6.7.1.2.3.4.5.6.
To find the 7th Mode (The Locrian Mode)
slide insert so the No. 7 is over the Key you want
Follow the numbers 7.1.2.3.4.5.6.7.
See the Diagram 1 below.
Follow the numbers 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.1.
Follow the numbers 2.3.4.5.6.7.1.2.
Follow the numbers 3.4.5.6.7.1.2.3.
Follow the numbers 4.5.6.7.1.2.3.4.
Follow the numbers 5.6.7.1.2.3.4.5.
Follow the numbers 6.7.1.2.3.4.5.6.
Follow the numbers 7.1.2.3.4.5.6.7.