Piano Scale Modes

Piano modes are some of easier lessons to understand. If you know the C Major Scale, you will easily understand all these modes.

When going from C to C and there is no sharps or flats, this is what we call the Ionian Mode. When you move from D to D and no sharps or flats, this is what we call the Dorian Mode.

From E to E with no sharps or flats, this is what we call the Phrygian mode. In other ways, if you start on the key of E and play a scale that goes to C, you will have the E Phrygian Scale. The same principle can be applied to any scale.

Examples of Piano Modes

G Phrygian scale

In music, Phrygian means the third degree. G is the third of Eb, which is your reference for playing the scale. Play from G to G, according to the key of Eb, which includes Bb, Eb, and Ab.

A Mixolydian scale

The mixolydian scale is in the fifth degree. When you play an A, the fifth will be the D, which is the scale to refer. Play from A to A according to the keys of D, which is the F# and C#.

B Dorian scale

The Dorian scale is in second degree. If you play B, you will have to refer from the keys of A. When you play B to B, you should use the keys from A, which is F#, C#, and G#.

D Aeolian scale

The Aeolian scale is in sixth degree. D is the sixth of F. So when you play D to D, refer to the scale of F.

Now that you have some samples, now is the time to try them out. It is best to start with Aeolian mode because it is second to the most popular piano modes.

Some of the music might sound minor while others will sound major. In this case, you will need the help of 6th mode, which is in A. This will sound minor because the 6th chord of C is A minor. If you play D minor, then go to C, then alternate.

With the samples given, understanding piano modes will be much easier. You can try these samples when you play piano and you will surely get acquainted with various modes of the piano. They are also easy to play, especially when practiced.

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