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Musical Greek Modes

Different musical scales constitute the different musical mode.

Musical Modes are the possible scales that can be made using only the "normal notes" or white keys on the piano.

It is interesting to realize the effect that changing the keys can have, since different intervals will appear and disappear. For example, there is no perfect fifth interval in the Locrain mode, which gives the music made from it a distinctive sound.

Mode	Description
Ionian or Major Mode	This is the common major scale, sounds happy, and is commonly used in rock and folk music.
Dorian	This magical serene mode brings a sense of exaltation. It is commonly used in Gregorian chants and in various hit songs like Eleanore Rigby and Norwegian Wood by the Beatles.
Phrygian	This mode is dramatic and passionate, dark, expressing sadness and sensitivity. It is commonly used in flamingo music from Spain.
Lydian or Major	This happyish major mode somewhat similiar to the Ionian mode is considered strange, because it contains two augmented fourths, or tri-tones which sometimes give it some unique sounding chords. It is thought to be Asian in origin even though some say it has a more mediteranean sound. In The Republic (572 BC) Plato banned the Lydian mode because he felt it was too feminine.
Mixolydian	This mode is often used in blues music and religious chants, and is extroverted and happy. It is said to have been invented by Sappho of Lesbos.
Aeolian or The natural minor scale	This melancholy yet quiet, dreamy mode seems to bring a sense of intimacy and poetry to simple sweet melodies. Musicians seem to use this mode more often in slower music, possibly to reduce the percieved sadness.
Locrain	This scale is considered unsettling, and is not in common usage. A possible explanation is that this mode lacks the comfortable harmony of a perfect fifth interval. It is interesting to note, however, that it contains two tri-tone intervals.