Major family
C Ionian
Bright, stable, familiar
Formula
Signature color
Parent major
Try this vamp
Modes Lab
Interactive lesson
Seven moods.
One set of notes.
A mode is a scale with a particular note treated as home. Pick one, hear its color, and learn the note that makes it distinct.
01
The big idea
Change “home,” change the feeling.
C major and D Dorian contain the same seven notes. But when D feels resolved, the intervals reorganize around it—and the music sounds minor, hopeful, and restless.
C IonianC D E F G A B
D DorianD E F G A B C
02 · Explore
Meet the modes
03 · The map
Major is the reference point.
♭ means one fret lower than major. ♯ means one fret higher.
04 · Check your ear-brain connection