The seven modes of the major scale share a pattern of whole and half steps. Each mode places a different note at the center of that pattern.
| Mode | Degrees from its root |
|---|---|
| Ionian | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 |
| Dorian | 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 ♭7 |
| Phrygian | 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7 |
| Lydian | 1 2 3 ♯4 5 6 7 |
| Mixolydian | 1 2 3 4 5 6 ♭7 |
| Aeolian | 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7 |
| Locrian | 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 ♭5 ♭6 ♭7 |
C Ionian, D Dorian, and A Aeolian all contain the same notes. Simply starting a scale on D is not enough to establish Dorian: the melody, bass, or harmony needs to make D feel like home.
The fretboard's Flats/Sharps preference uses simple pitch names. Formal scale spelling can require names such as E♯ or C♭, which this compact display does not show.
Pick up your guitar
Load C Ionian with Explore modes enabled. Choose D Dorian, then A Aeolian: the white-note pattern stays put while the root changes.