These are scales with a unique order of intervals compared to scales used in tonal music. Beginning on different degrees of a major scale, or the white notes on a piano, the modes are easily constructed. In order, they are (1) Ionian, (2) Dorian, (3) Phrygian, (4) Lydian, (5) Mixolydian, (6) Aeolian, and (7) Locrian. They were used to compose modal counterpoint in the 16th century. These original church modes have been used extensively by 20th century composers and Jazz musicians.
Modes
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