Modes of the Minor Scales
01From the harmonic minor
The harmonic minor has its characteristic augmented second between the 6th and 7th degree. Any mode of it that starts near that leap inherits it, and that is what makes them sound "eastern".
Phrygian dominant starts from the 5th degree: from C, C D♭ E F G A♭ B♭. It is the Phrygian with a major third, and note for note it is hijaz. Dorian ♯4 starts from the 4th degree: C D E♭ F♯ G A B♭, the Dorian with a raised 4th, which is nikriz in its basic form.
02From the melodic minor
The melodic minor (in its ascending form) is a major scale with a lowered 3rd and no leaps. Its modes resemble the modes of the major scale with one note changed, and that note is their colour.
Lydian dominant (4th degree): C D E F♯ G A B♭, the Mixolydian with a raised 4th. Mixolydian ♭6 (5th degree): C D E F G A♭ B♭, major at the start, minor at the end. Locrian ♮2 (6th degree): C D E♭ F G♭ A♭ B♭, the Locrian with a natural 2nd, which fits over half-diminished chords. And the altered scale (7th degree): C D♭ E♭ F♭ G♭ A♭ B♭, where every degree except the tonic is altered, hence the name. It is played over tense dominant chords, just before the resolution.
Recap
- The harmonic and the melodic minor have seven modes each, like the major scale.
- From the harmonic: Phrygian dominant (= hijaz) and Dorian ♯4 (= nikriz), both with the augmented second.
- From the melodic: Lydian dominant, Mixolydian ♭6, Locrian ♮2 and the altered scale.
- The other eight exist, but you will rarely need them.
Want to work on this together? Lessons