The Seven Diatonic Modeson Scale Circle

Name Maj/Min Formula

1. Ionian (= Major) Maj W-W-H-W-W-W-H

2. Dorian Min W-H-W-W-W-H-W

3. Phrygian Min H-W-W-W-H-W-W

4. Lydian Maj W-W-W-H-W-W-H

5. Mixolydian Maj W-W-H-W-W-H-W

6. Aeolian (= Natural Minor) Min W-H-W-W-H-W-W

7. Locrain (Dim) H-W-W-H-W-W-W

Ionianroot

(same as Major Scale)

Dorianroot

(”sexy minor”)

Lydianroot

(slightly brighter than major scale”)

Mixolydianroot

(”major” rock, blues)

Aeolianroot

(same asNatural Minor)

Locrianroot

(rarely used)

Phrygianroot

(Spanish feel)Half step

Half step