Music Theory for Recorder: Scales/Modes
This page discusses the various series of notes that we call scales or modes. We start off with the 'modern' major and minor scales, but then go back in time to the earlier concept of modes. We will also examine some alternate scales: pentatonic, chromatic, whole-tone, and other unusual note-series.
It is highly recommended to work your way through this page starting at the top, as each installment builds on the previous one. It is also recommended that you consult the NOTES where you will find more detailed information regarding these topics.
Go To
How to Build Music Scales
YouTube Video: Music Theory Crash Course
Defines half steps, whole steps, and major, minor, and chromatic scales.
The Three Flavors of Minor Music Scales
YouTube Video: Music Theory Crash Course
Defines melodic, harmonic, and natural scales.
What is a Mode?
YouTube Video: Jesse Strickland
A quick explanation of the modes.
Intro to Medieval Modes
YouTube Video: Paige Garwood
A college lecture that lays out the basics of medieval mode theory. The lecture starts at 3:30.
Introduction to Modes
YouTube Video: PianoPig
This presenter gives modern numbers to the modes that are not to be confused with the medieval Church Mode numbers mentioned in the NOTES.
Modes in the 16th and 17th Centuries
YouTube Video: Early Music Sources
This is a detailed historical presentation of the history of modes and how the major minor scale system came to replace them.
D Modes "Springfield"
Score, Audio Files, and YouTube Video: Megan Smith
Here is an adaptation of a well-known TV melody, "Springfield," originally in the LYDIAN mode, in all seven modes. Each mode gives the melody a distinctive sound - some sad, some happy, and some just weird.
MP3 Playback
A Modes "She Moves through the Fair"
Score, Audio Files, and YouTube Video: Megan Smith
Here is the well-known melody, "She Moves through the Fair," originally in the MIXOLYDIAN mode, in all seven modes. Each mode gives the melody a distinctive sound - some sad, some happy, and some just weird.
MP3 Playback
E Modes "Es woll' uns Gott"
Score, Audio Files, and YouTube Video: Megan Smith
Here is the beginning of the Lutheran hymn "Es woll' uns Gott," originally in the PHRYGIAN mode, in all seven modes. Each mode gives the melody a distinctive sound - some sad, some happy, and some just weird.
MP3 Playback
Pentatonic Scale Piano Made Easy
YouTube Video: Steve Nixon
A presentation of Pentatonic scales by a jazz pianist. You'll be astonished what he can do with this super simple scale pattern.
Pentatonic Note Set Found in Different Cultures
YouTube Video: Pentatonic Theory
The pentatonic scale is found all over the world. This video demonstrates how widespread this musical concept is.
Chromatic Scales
YouTube Video: musictheoryguy
Exploring the Whole Tone Scale
YouTube Video: Berklee Online
How to Really Improvise Using the Blues Scale
YouTube Video: PianoPig
How to Make Music with the Hungarian Minor Scale
YouTube Video: MusicTheoryForGuitar