The Complete Idiot''s Guide to Music Theory

Note
Half Steps to Next Note
Tonic
2
Second
2
Third
2
Fourth
1
Fifth
2
Sixth
2
Seventh
1

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Chapter 3:
Scales
F Lydian mode is relative to the key of C, and consists of the following notes:
41
F Lydian mode, relative to the key of C.
Mixolydian
The Mixolydian mode can be thought of as starting on the fifth note of the
related major scale. Like the Lydian mode, it’s sort of major sounding, but in
this case with a lowered seventh.
The intervals between notes in the Mixolydian mode are as shown in the fol-
lowing table.
The Intervals of the Mixolydian
Note
Half Steps to Next Note
Tonic
2
Second
2
Third
1
Fourth
2
Fifth
2
Sixth
1
Seventh
2
In the key of C, the Mixolydian mode consists of the following notes:
The Mixolydian mode in the key of C.
Aeolian
The Aeolian mode contains the exact same notes as the natural minor scale. It
can be thought of as starting on the sixth note of the related major scale.
The intervals between notes in the Aeolian mode are as follows.

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Part 1:
Tones
The Intervals of the Aeolian Mode
Note
Half Steps to Next Note
Tonic
2
Second
1
Third
2
Fourth
2
Fifth
1
Sixth
2
Seventh
2
You use the Aeolian mode a lot when you play blues and jazz tunes. A Aeolian is
relative to the key of C, and consists of the following notes:
42
A Aeolian mode, relative to the key of C.
Locrian
The Locrian mode can be thought of as starting on the seventh note of the
related major scale. It’s probably the weirdest sounding of all the modes,
because all the leading notes are in all the wrong places.
Back in olden times, Locrian was a mode that existed in theory only; it wasn’t
used in actual music. Today, however, the Locrian mode is used in some jazz
music, and in some new music compositions.
The intervals between notes in the Locrian mode are as follows.
The Intervals of the Locrian Mode