Scale and Mode History

The History of Scales and Modes

Published: 31 Mar 2020 Updated: 16 May 2024Visits: 0Code: UL04-MODES-HISTORY

Category: ScalesInstrument: Scales Subjects: Scales • Modes

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LESSONSeries : The Seven Modes of the Major Scale

Scale and Mode History


The history of scale modes dates all the way back to the Greek philosopher Pythagoras (569BC- 475BC) who discovered the numerical ratios which determine the intervals of the musical scale.

Pythagoras (569BC- 475BC) - discovered the numerical ratios which determine the intervals of the musical scale. Theses are the seven tones of the C Ionian or C Major scale. Pythagoras noticed that vibrating strings produce harmonious tones when the ratios of the lengths of the strings are whole numbers, and that these ratios could be extended to other instruments. In fact Pythagoras made remarkable contributions to the mathematical theory of music. He was a fine musician, playing the lyre, and he used music as a means to help those who were ill. ( WikipediA )

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