Church Modes

Church modes are a system of musical scales that originated in medieval music, shaping how melodies are constructed. Essentially, they are different patterns of notes built on a series of seven note scales, each starting from a different note within the same set. These modes—such as Dorian, Phrygian, and Lydian—give music distinct emotional qualities and tonal flavors, influencing the mood and character of melodies or compositions. Though rooted in early liturgical music, church modes still influence modern music theory and composition, providing a foundational framework for understanding different melodic and harmonic textures.