The Complete Idiot''s Guide to Music Theory

Note

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Chapter 3:
Scales
The Intervals of the Ionian
Note
Half Steps to Next Note
Tonic
2
Second
2
Third
1
Fourth
2
Fifth
2
Sixth
2
Seventh
1
The C Ionian mode consists of the following notes:
39
The C Ionian mode—just like the C Major scale.
Dorian
The Dorian mode can be thought of as starting on the second note of a major
scale. It sounds a little like a natural minor scale, but with a raised sixth. (To get
an idea what Dorian mode sounds like, listen to the Simon & Garfunkel song
“Scarborough Fair”; it’s composed entirely in Dorian mode.)
The intervals between notes in the Dorian mode are as follows.
The Intervals of Dorian Mode
Note
Half Steps to Next Note
Tonic
2
Second
1
Third
2
Fourth
2
Fifth
2
Sixth
1
Seventh
2
D Dorian is relative to the key of C, and consists of the following notes:
D Dorian mode, relative to the key of C.

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Part 1:
Tones
Phrygian
The Phrygian mode can be thought of as starting on the third note of the
related major scale. Like the Dorian mode, it sounds like a natural minor
scale—but with a lowered second degree.
The intervals between notes in the Phrygian mode are as follows.
The Intervals of the Phrygian Mode
Note
Half Steps to Next Note
Tonic
1
Second
2
Third
2
Fourth
2
Fifth
1
Sixth
2
Seventh
2
E Phrygian is relative to the key of C, and consists of the following notes:
40
E Phrygian mode, relative to the key of C.
Lydian
The Lydian mode can be thought of as starting on the fourth note of a major
scale. It’s an almost-major scale, but with a raised fourth.
The intervals between notes in the Lydian mode are as follows.
The Intervals of the Lydian Mode