Musical Modes (Dorian, Phrygian)

Seven diatonic scale systems originating in ancient Greek music theory.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Each mode begins on a different degree of the diatonic scale: Ionian matches the major scale and Aeolian the natural minor.
• The names derive from regions of ancient Greece, though medieval theorists reshuffled the original labels.
• Miles Davis's 1959 album Kind of Blue brought modal improvisation to the center of jazz.