Topmusicanswers
The modes of the major scale
| Mode | Name | Scale (in C) |
|---|---|---|
| I | Ionian | C–D–E–F–G–A–B–C |
| II | Dorian | C–D–E♭–F–G–A–B♭–C |
| III | Phrygian | C–D♭–E♭–F–G–A♭–B♭–C |
| IV | Lydian | C–D–E–F♯–G–A–B–C |
What mode is best for jazz?
Dorian is the most commonly used of the jazz modes over minor chords. So, it's highly recommended that you get great at playing it. You can use dorian to build solos, create chords, and even chord progressions.
Are modes important in jazz?
Jazz improvisers know that the modes of the major scale are important, but the way in which many people think of the modes makes it difficult to use the modes when improvising in the heat of the moment. By the time they realize what mode is consonant with the chord, the chord change has past.
Which modes go with which chords?
Major chords follow the formula 1-3-5-7. Both Ionian and Lydian modes contain these notes; therefore either mode can be used.
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Seventh Chords and Modes.
| Chord Quality | Mode |
|---|---|
| Major, Major 7 | Ionian, Lydian |
| Minor, Minor 7 | Dorian, Phrygian, Aeolian |
| Major, Dominant 7 | Mixolydian |
| Diminished, Minor7b5 | Locrian |
