Basic Music Theory: How to Read, Write, and Understand Written Music

25: Scales a la Mode

Lydian

Lydian begins on the 4th degree of the Major scale and in the key of C is

from F to F on the white keys of the piano. Whole-half step pattern is

WWWHWWH.

You might see this mode in jazz, fusion, rock, or country music.

Example 25.4 Lydian mode ascending.

Mixolydian

Mixolydian begins on the fifth degree of the Major scale, and in the key

of C is G to G on the white keys. Whole-half step pattern is

WWHWWHW.

This mode shows up in rockabilly, country, blues, and rock.

Example 25.5 Mixolydian mode ascending.

Aeolian

Also known as the natural minor scale, the aeolian mode begins on the

sixth degree of the Major scale. In the key of C it’s from A to A on the

white keys. WHWWHWW.

This mode appears in all kinds of music: pop, country, Rock, blues,

heavy metal, classical, and on and on.