BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
826 / 18210 · Module 18 — Scales and Modes for Improvisation: What to Use, When, and Why← prev⊞ allnext →

18.5The seven modes

For reference:

  1. Ionian
  2. Dorian
  3. Phrygian
  4. Lydian
  5. Mixolydian
  6. Aeolian
  7. Locrian

But do not memorize seven Greek names as our first task.

For practical jazz/pop piano, the most immediately useful are:

Ionian / major

Dorian

Mixolydian

Aeolian / natural minor

and later:

Lydian