Lesson 12c: Scales and Modes

In lesson 9 we learned that each scale has seven consecutive notes following the tonic or 1st degree of the scale and ends with the octave which is the same as the tonic but one octave higher. If we used just numbers the major scale would be:

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

To change to a minor scale or a mode we would then play the major scale above but change only the notes that are indicated by the flat (b) sign.

Major Scale (Ionian Mode
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Mixolydian Mode
1
2
3
4
5
6
b7
8
Dorian Mode
1
2
b3
4
5
6
b7
8
Natural Minor
1
2
b3
4
5
b6
b7
8
Harmonic Minor
1
2
b3
4
5
b6
7
8
Phrygian Mode
1
b2
b3
4
5
b6
b7
8
Locrian Mode
1
b2
b3
4
b5
b6
b7
8
Lydian Mode
1
2
3
#4
5
6
7
8
Blues Scale
1
-
b3
4
b5
5
b7
8

As you can see, if you know only one scale (the major) you then can play 8 more by just changing one note at a time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Quiz

To take the quiz, click "Quiz" above, then print the resulting page and complete it.

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