Exercise · all seven modes, one root

The Modal Run

Walk every mode of the major scale from the same root, so you hear the one note that changes between each. The parallel approach — same home, shifting colour — is how the modes actually teach themselves.

Tempo

How to practise it

  1. Parallel first (this exercise): keep the root fixed and play each mode in turn. You'll hear exactly one note move each time — that moving note is the mode's flavour.
  2. Name the colour note as you play it: "Lydian — the ♯11," "Mixolydian — the ♭7." The label in red on each card is that note.
  3. Then go derivative: play them all from one major scale shape, shifting the start note up a degree each time (Ionian from the 1, Dorian from the 2…). Same notes, seven launch points.
  4. Loop with the metronome below: one octave up and down per mode, two beats of rest between, climbing the tempo only when clean.

Metronome

80 BPM