All 7 scale modes in F major
Chet May 18th, 2007
Before we discuss the modes of a scale let me first explain how a major scale is made. There are two rules:
- You need one of each note in the musical alphabet(A, B, C, D, E, F, and G).
- The intervals between the notes must follow this pattern in steps:
whole(2 frets), whole, half(1 fret), whole, whole, whole, half.
So if we start with F we end up with F, G, A, B(flat), C, D, and E. We call it a B flat instead of an A# because of rule 1 and we need a half-step there according to rule 2. We can build a major scale from any note by following these rules.
Playing those notes in that order results in a F Ionian mode. When you start from G and play up an octave (G-A-Bflat-C-D-E-F-G) you have the G Dorian mode. Remember it’s not a G major because you a using the notes in F major. Thus for each of the 7 notes in a major scale you have a corresponding mode. All of the modes built in the key of F are below.
