Church Modes
A mode is a pattern or intervals that form a set of note names, e.g. A major or minor scale is a mode constructed of patterns of tones within an octave.
Church nodes are created by cycling through the standard pattern of tones and semitones of the major scale.
Each mode has its own character.
The eight church modes, or Gregorian modes, can be divided into four pairs, where each pair shares the "final" note and the four notes above the final, but have different ambituses, or ranges.
If the "scale" is completed by adding three higher notes, the mode is termed authentic, if the scale is completed by adding three lower notes, it is called plagal. Plagal modes shift range and also explore the fourth below the final as well as the fifth above, they are the 2nd 4th 6th and 8th modes.
Each mode has, in addition to its final, a "reciting tone" It is also sometimes called the "tenor" which means to hold. The reciting tones of all authentic modes began a fifth above the final, with those of the plagal modes a third above.
Church nodes are created by cycling through the standard pattern of tones and semitones of the major scale.
Each mode has its own character.
The eight church modes, or Gregorian modes, can be divided into four pairs, where each pair shares the "final" note and the four notes above the final, but have different ambituses, or ranges.
If the "scale" is completed by adding three higher notes, the mode is termed authentic, if the scale is completed by adding three lower notes, it is called plagal. Plagal modes shift range and also explore the fourth below the final as well as the fifth above, they are the 2nd 4th 6th and 8th modes.
Each mode has, in addition to its final, a "reciting tone" It is also sometimes called the "tenor" which means to hold. The reciting tones of all authentic modes began a fifth above the final, with those of the plagal modes a third above.
Dorian
A Dorian mode is known as mode I and its mood or feeling is regarded as being either serious, or taming the passions. This scale begins on the second step of the major scale and keeps the major scale key signature.
Another way to think of the 'D' Dorian scale is that it is a D major scale, but you lower the 3rd and 7th scale steps.
Hypodorain
The Hypodorian is known as mode II, it is both sad and serious. The name Hypodorian literally means below Dorian because it’s an octave lower.
Lydian
The Lydian mode was known as being very happy, it starts at F and stretches to the F an octave lower and is the fifth mode the church created.
Hypolydian
The hypolydian mode was known as being sad and tearful, it starts at C and stretches to the C an octave lower and is the sixth mode in the eight made.
Phrygian
The Phrygian mode is the third mode of the eight the church created, it was known as being angry and mystical, and is in the key of E and stretching to the E an octave higher.
Hypophrygian
The Hypophrygian mode was known as harmonious and a delight, it starts at B and stretches to the B an octave lower.
Mixolydian
The Mixolydian mode was known to be angelic, of youth and a uniting pleasure, it begins on G and stretches to the G an octave higher and is the seventh mode the church created.
Aeolian
The notes extend from A to A and correspond to the natural minor scale. This scale usually has no flats or sharps.
Ioinan
The Ionian mode is much like the Aeolain mode however it uses the notes from C to C rather than A to A.
A Dorian mode is known as mode I and its mood or feeling is regarded as being either serious, or taming the passions. This scale begins on the second step of the major scale and keeps the major scale key signature.
Another way to think of the 'D' Dorian scale is that it is a D major scale, but you lower the 3rd and 7th scale steps.
Hypodorain
The Hypodorian is known as mode II, it is both sad and serious. The name Hypodorian literally means below Dorian because it’s an octave lower.
Lydian
The Lydian mode was known as being very happy, it starts at F and stretches to the F an octave lower and is the fifth mode the church created.
Hypolydian
The hypolydian mode was known as being sad and tearful, it starts at C and stretches to the C an octave lower and is the sixth mode in the eight made.
Phrygian
The Phrygian mode is the third mode of the eight the church created, it was known as being angry and mystical, and is in the key of E and stretching to the E an octave higher.
Hypophrygian
The Hypophrygian mode was known as harmonious and a delight, it starts at B and stretches to the B an octave lower.
Mixolydian
The Mixolydian mode was known to be angelic, of youth and a uniting pleasure, it begins on G and stretches to the G an octave higher and is the seventh mode the church created.
Aeolian
The notes extend from A to A and correspond to the natural minor scale. This scale usually has no flats or sharps.
Ioinan
The Ionian mode is much like the Aeolain mode however it uses the notes from C to C rather than A to A.