Unit 8: Scales, Modes, and Musical Form

Mode

Alternative scales derived from the major scale pattern.

Relative Modes

Modes that are rotations of a parent major scale.

Parallel Modes

Modes that are alterations to a tonic major or minor scale.

Ionian

The first mode; equivalent to the Major scale.

Dorian

The second mode; minor-ish scale with a raised 6th.

Phrygian

The third mode; minor-ish scale with a lowered 2nd.

Lydian

The fourth mode; major-ish scale with a raised 4th.

Mixolydian

The fifth mode; major-ish scale with a lowered 7th.

Aeolian

The sixth mode; equivalent to the Natural Minor scale.

Locrian

The seventh mode; diminished qualities with a lowered 5th.

Major Modes Family

Modes that contain a Major 3rd.

Minor Modes Family

Modes that contain a Minor 3rd.

Major Pentatonic

Scale degrees 1 - 2 - 3 - 5 - 6.

Minor Pentatonic

Scale degrees 1 - flat 3 - 4 - 5 - flat 7.

Blues Scale

Minor Pentatonic scale with an added blue note.

Whole-Tone Scale

A hexatonic scale composed entirely of major seconds.

Octatonic Scale

An 8-note scale alternating between whole steps and half steps.

Motif

A short melodic or rhythmic fragment used to build a melody.

Phrase

A complete musical thought that ends with a cadence.

Antecedent Phrase

The first phrase of a period, often ends weakly.

Consequent Phrase

The second phrase of a period, ends strongly.

Parallel Period

A period where antecedent and consequent start with similar melodies.

Contrasting Period

A period where antecedent and consequent have different melodic material.

Double Period

A group of four phrases where the last phrase ends stronger than the second.

Sentence

A structure usually following a 2 + 2 + 4 measure pattern.

Binary Form

A two-part structure typically repeated, labeled A and B.

Ternary Form

A three-part structure where the A section returns completely.

Strophic Form

Same music repeated for different verses of text.

Through-Composed

New music for each stanza with no large section repetition.

Rondo

A form with a principal theme alternating with contrasting episodes.

Verse

Repeated music with different lyrics that tells a story.

Chorus

The main hook of a song with the same music and lyrics.

Bridge

A contrasting section that connects choruses back to verses.

Refrain

A single line repeated at the end of verses.

Interlude

An instrumental break between vocal sections.

Dorian Mistake

Confusing Dorian with Aeolian based on 6th degree.

Intervals in Modes Mistake

Misidentifying Phrygian by assuming it has a raised note.

Period vs. Phrase Group Mistake

Misidentifying two phrases as a period due to cadence.

Rounded Binary vs. Ternary Mistake

Confusion due to similar ABA feel.

Locrian Characteristics

The only mode with a diminished tonic triad.

Cadence

A musical phrase ending that creates a sense of resolution.

Elision

When the end of one phrase leads to the start of the next.

Virtue of Major Modes

Major modes contain a Major 3rd compared to their natural scale.

Role of the Motif

To serve as a building block for creating larger musical ideas.

Function of a Phrase

To express a complete musical idea, akin to a sentence.

Characteristics of a Rondo

Principal theme (A) alternates with contrasting sections.

Pentatonic Scale Quality

Lacks half-steps and generally avoids the tritone.