In music theory, modes are scales with unique harmonic and melodic behaviors. There are seven modes in total.
- Ionian mode (I) a.k.a. major scale
- Dorian mode (II)
- Phrygian mode (III)
- Lydian mode (IV)
- Mixolydian mode (V)
- Aeolian mode (VI) a.k.a. minor scale
- Locrian mode (VII)
| Number | Mode | Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| I | Ionian | W-W-H-W-W-W-H |
| II | Dorian | W-H-W-W-W-H-W |
| III | Phrygian | H-W-W-W-H-W-W |
| IV | Lydian | W-W-W-H-W-W-H |
| V | Mixolydian | W-W-H-W-W-H-W |
| VII | Aeolian | W-H-W-W-H-W-W |
| VII | Locrian | H-W-W-H-W-W-W |
Note that each mode’s pattern is the previous mode rotated to the left by one. So C Ionian mode and D Dorian mode uses the same notes, though they will sound different, e.g., different chords (see this Stack Exchange post).
