Music Glossary: mode

Natural minor mode with ♭6 and ♭7; melancholy, song-friendly. more

Stable minor‑mode groove built on i–♭VII or i–♭VII–♭VI; emphasizes natural minor color. more

Major scale mode with natural 7; stable, consonant tonal center. more

Diminished mode with ♭2 and ♭5; unstable, used for color not functional tonics. more

Major mode with ♯4; bright, floating color with reduced tendency to resolve. more

Modal system in Arabic/Turkish/Persian music with characteristic scales and development. more

Major mode with ♭7; primary choice over dominant (V or I7) grooves. more

Focus on color tones and drone centers; fewer changes, deeper development. more

Minor mode with ♭2; dark, exotic color often used in metal and flamenco. more

Melodic framework in Indian classical music defining scale, motifs, and mood. more