Play these notes starting on C and you're playing the C major scale (also known as the Ionian mode – the 'first' mode). Start on D and you're playing the second mode (D Dorian, as it happens). By the ...

In the grand panorama of Western tonality, the Aeolian mode occupies a position of both historical gravitas and contemporary ubiquity. Often simply called the “natural minor” scale by composers and ...

As we’ve said before, in recent issues, the easiest way to understand modes is to think of them as re-workings of the major scale, simply starting on a note that isn’t the root. The Aeolian mode is no ...

Intimidasted by modes? Don't be. Dorian, ionion, phygian, lydian, mixolydian, aeolian and locrian scales explained in an accessible way When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an ...