A Simple Guide to Modes - Music Theory
TLDRThe video explains the history and use of musical modes that predate modern major and minor keys. It explores how scales were constructed differently prior to 1600, using a pattern of whole steps and half steps called modes - such as the Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Locrian modes. These create slightly unusual or unexpected sounds to our modern ears. Composers started altering these modes by adding sharps and flats, gradually evolving the major/minor key system we know today. Understanding these early modes helps appreciate music written before 1600, and jazz musicians continue using modes creatively in their playing.
Takeaways
- 😀 Modes were used before major and minor keys, going back to the Renaissance and Medieval periods
- 😮 The Ionian mode from C to C is equivalent to the C major scale we know today
- 🎹 The Dorian mode from D to D uses only the white notes, giving it a different pattern of tones and semitones
- 🎼 Other modes like Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian etc. each have their own sound quality
- 🚧 Modes started to get "corrupted" in the 1500s as composers added sharps and flats
- 💡 The addition of accidentals eventually led to the evolution of major and minor key systems
- 🎵 Some modes like the Aeolian have an attractive, exotic flavor
- 🔎 Modes can sound strange to our modern ears accustomed to major and minor keys
- 🎶 Jazz musicians spent a lot of time exploring and playing with modes
- 📚 Understanding modes helps analyze music written before 1600
Q & A
What time period did modes originate from?
-Modes originated in the Renaissance period, before around 1600, and even further back in the Medieval period.
What is the difference between the Ionian mode and the major scale?
-The Ionian mode consists of the white notes from C to C on the piano. This is the same as the C major scale. So there is no difference - the Ionian mode was later called the major scale.
What makes the Dorian mode sound different from the D major scale?
-The Dorian mode consists of the white notes from D to D. The D major scale contains an F# and C#. By using only the white notes, the Dorian mode has a different pattern of tones and semitones, which creates its distinctive sound.
What are some examples of unusual sounding modes?
-The Phrygian, Lydian, and Locrian modes sound quite strange and dissonant to our modern ears, which are used to major and minor scales.
What is musica ficta?
-Musica ficta refers to the practice of adding sharps and flats to the modes in the late 1500s. This began the evolution towards the major/minor key system we use today.
What makes modal music sound different from major/minor key music?
-The patterns of tones and semitones are arranged differently in the modes. So modal music can sound quite unusual and unexpected compared to the scales we are used to.
What are some ways modes could be varied or manipulated?
-Modes can be transposed to different starting notes. You could also have variations on them like the Hypodorian mode, where they start at a different note within the scale.
Why did major and minor keys evolve from modes?
-Composers in the 1500s started adding sharps and flats to the modes, known as musica ficta, to improve the sound. By 1600 these enhanced modes had evolved to become what we now know as major and minor keys.
What should you listen for when analyzing medieval or renaissance music?
-Listen for unusual patterns of tones and semitones, and a lack of leading tones that pull to stable scale degrees like in major/minor keys. The modes have their own signature sounds.
How are jazz modes related to the historical modes?
-Jazz musicians use modes to give their music an exotic or non-functional harmony sound. These are often based on the old church modes, but blurred with influences from other global music traditions over time.
Outlines
😀 History and Overview of Modes in Music
This paragraph provides background on modes in music. It explains that before major and minor keys, music was written in modes during the Renaissance and Medieval periods. It then previews that the video will explore what these different modes are.
😊 Exploring Specific Modes (Dorian, Phrygian, etc.)
This paragraph explores the specific modes in more detail, including the Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian modes. It plays audio examples of each mode, analyzing how they differ from major and minor scales and why they may sound unusual to modern ears.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Modes
💡Ionian mode
💡Dorian mode
💡Phrygian mode
💡Lydian mode
💡Mixolydian mode
💡Aeolian mode
💡Locrian mode
💡Musica ficta
💡Renaissance music
Highlights
Modes were used before major and minor keys became standard after 1600
The Ionian mode is equivalent to the C major scale
The Dorian mode uses only the white notes from D to D
The Phrygian mode goes from E to E using only the white notes
The Lydian mode goes from F to F using only the white notes
The Mixolydian mode goes from G to G using only the white notes
The Aeolian mode is the same as the natural minor scale
The Locrian mode goes from B to B using only the white notes
Some modes sound stranger to our ears than others
Composers started altering modes by adding sharps and flats (musica ficta)
The system of major and minor keys evolved from the altered modes
Music before 1600 may sound strange because it uses unaltered modes
Jazz musicians are very interested in using modes
Understanding modes helps access pre-1600 music
Jazz musicians have their own perspective on using modes
Transcripts
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