Different modes for different feels

[TheVoiceless]

I was reading a post about scales vs. modes. And I saw someone describe a mode of C major as giving a "Latin feel".

So do each mode give its own feel that can be described by a music style? Also what are the modes names in relation to the C major scale?

[Bruce Lindfield]

You can play any mode with an feel - so the answer is no!

When you say :

"a mode of C major as giving a "Latin feel".


That would be like a Missa Solemnis or Bach's Magnificat...

I studied Latin at school but it never came in handy apart from translating choral sacred music!

[MalcolmAmos]

A mode will give a mood IF, big IF, the chord played under the mode's notes sustain that modal mood. It takes a chord vamp to sustain the modal mood. A chord progression will call attention to the chord's tonal center, i.e. the tonic chord.

Normally these are the accepted moods - again if the chord vamp sticks around long enough to sustains the mood.

Ionian - the major scale - gives an attractive up beat - happy mood.
Lydian - Sharp the 4 for a Major dreamy mood.
Mixolydian - Flat the 7 for a Latin, I hear Mexican, and used with the blues donimant seventh chord progressions.

Aeolian - the natural minor scale. Sad mood.
Dorian - Sharp the 6 back to a natural 6th for an attractive jazz minor sound.
Phrgyain - Flat the 2nd for an exotic latin mood I hear Spanish.
Locrian - the diminished mode - flat the 2 and 5 for a dark and tense mood.

One more time - this all depends on the chord you are using under the modes notes.

[TheVoiceless]

Originally Posted by MalcolmAmos

A mode will give a mood IF, big IF, the chord played under the mode's notes sustain that modal mood. It takes a chord vamp to sustain the modal mood. A chord progression will call attention to the chord's tonal center, i.e. the tonic chord.

Normally these are the accepted moods - again if the chord vamp sticks around long enough to sustains the mood.

Ionian - the major scale - gives an attractive up beat - happy mood.
Lydian - Sharp the 4 for a Major dreamy mood.
Mixolydian - Flat the 7 for a Latin, I hear Mexican, and used with the blues donimant seventh chord progressions.

Aeolian - the natural minor scale. Sad mood.
Dorian - Sharp the 6 back to a natural 6th for an attractive jazz minor sound.
Phrgyain - Flat the 2nd for an exotic latin mood I hear Spanish.
Locrian - the diminished mode - flat the 2 and 5 for a dark and tense mood.

One more time - this all depends on the chord you are using under the modes notes.

Great explanation!!

I will keep this for reference. I understand that the chord structure dictates the mood and the mode should be played accordingly.