ionian mode
Module 6 DVD 6
IONIAN MODE
The Modes
I. Ionian Mode (05:13 – 05:57) Because of the history behind modes, they have names derived from Greek. Let us begin exploring modes by taking a look at our diatonic major scale in the key of C and its intervals (w = whole step, h = half step):
C 1
w
D 2
w
E 3
h
F 4
w
G 5
w
A 6
W
B 7
h
C 1
At this point, we all know that this is simply a major scale. Take note that the scale starts on the root note or the 1st scale degree (C). In terms of modes, this is called the Ionian mode. Our standard major diatonic scale as we know it is Ionian. It’s like a long word for the 1st mode or 1. If we play in A major and start in A, it’s Ionian. It’s the same thing when we play in D major and we start on D, etc. Remember, the Ionian mode starts at the 1st scale degree. Since the first note of the mode is C, we can call it C Ionian. As it starts on the 1st scale degree, we effectively emphasize the prime chord as well in Ionian (which in this case is C).
II. Dorian Mode (05:57 – 07:42) Now, what if we try and start the same scale at the 2nd scale degree (D)
D 2
w
E 3
h
F 4
w
G 5
w
A 6
w
B 7
h
C 1
w
D 2
When the scale starts at the 2nd degree, we call it the Dorian mode. Here we are emphasizing the 2nd chord of the key, which in this case is D minor. Now, since the mode starts at the note D, we call this the D Dorian mode. What if say for example we’re emphasizing G minor and we’re playing in the key of F? nd What GuitarZoom © 2014mode are we in? Since G minor is the 2 chord in the key of F and we are emphasizing G minor, we’re playing in the G Dorian mode.
1
IONIAN MODE
The Modes
I. Ionian Mode (05:13 – 05:57) Because of the history behind modes, they have names derived from Greek. Let us begin exploring modes by taking a look at our diatonic major scale in the key of C and its intervals (w = whole step, h = half step):
C 1
w
D 2
w
E 3
h
F 4
w
G 5
w
A 6
W
B 7
h
C 1
At this point, we all know that this is simply a major scale. Take note that the scale starts on the root note or the 1st scale degree (C). In terms of modes, this is called the Ionian mode. Our standard major diatonic scale as we know it is Ionian. It’s like a long word for the 1st mode or 1. If we play in A major and start in A, it’s Ionian. It’s the same thing when we play in D major and we start on D, etc. Remember, the Ionian mode starts at the 1st scale degree. Since the first note of the mode is C, we can call it C Ionian. As it starts on the 1st scale degree, we effectively emphasize the prime chord as well in Ionian (which in this case is C).
II. Dorian Mode (05:57 – 07:42) Now, what if we try and start the same scale at the 2nd scale degree (D)
D 2
w
E 3
h
F 4
w
G 5
w
A 6
w
B 7
h
C 1
w
D 2
When the scale starts at the 2nd degree, we call it the Dorian mode. Here we are emphasizing the 2nd chord of the key, which in this case is D minor. Now, since the mode starts at the note D, we call this the D Dorian mode. What if say for example we’re emphasizing G minor and we’re playing in the key of F? nd What GuitarZoom © 2014mode are we in? Since G minor is the 2 chord in the key of F and we are emphasizing G minor, we’re playing in the G Dorian mode.
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