The Seven Scale Modes, Open Position Examples

The seven scale modes on ukulele in open postions with TAB and scale diagrams.

Published: 01 Apr 2020 Updated: 27 Dec 2021Visits: 21Code: UL04-modes-uke

Topic: Scales Instruments: Ukulele Subjects: Scales • Modes

LESSONSeries : The Seven Modes of the Major Scale

The seven scale modes on ukulele in open postion with TAB and scale diagrams.

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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. He was a fine musician, playing the lyre, and he used music as a means to help those who were ill.

From the 7 notes of the Ionian scale came the seven modes, all inversions of C Ionian.

Here are the seven modes in C, in the open position.

C Ionian (Major) C D E F G A B C`

Use the audio to compare the sounds of the individual scales.

C Dorian (Minor) C D Eb F G A Bb C`

Use the audio to compare the sounds of the individual scales.

C Phrygian C Db Eb F Gb Ab Bb C`

Use the audio to compare the sounds of the individual scales.

C Lydian C D E F# G A B C`

Use the audio to compare the sounds of the individual scales.

C Mixolydian C D E F G A Bb C`

Use the audio to compare the sounds of the individual scales.

C Aeolian (Natural Minor) C D Eb F G Ab Bb C`

Use the audio to compare the sounds of the individual scales.

C Locrian C Db Eb F Gb Ab Bb C`

Use the audio to compare the sounds of the individual scales.

A mode is when the characteristic scale tone is stressed.
A scale is when all tones are equal.

Once you master the open position for any given scale the hard work is navigating the many possibilities along the fingerboard. Here is a lesson on Navigating the Major Scale using the Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering of that can be applied to any scale or mode.

End of Lesson - Thanks, Hope You Enjoyed It!

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