The Locrian mode is arguably the darkest of the minor modes. It’s essentially a natural minor scale with a lowered second and fifth scale degree (in addition to the existing ♭6 and ♭7 in the natural minor scale).
“If there’s one thing I really love… it’s sad music.” Danny Elfman, film composer Imagine, if you will, a world without minor keys – a world without sad music. A world in which every song was happy, upbeat, poppy, and chipper. There’s no room for feelings of heartbreak, longing, or regret – only bouncy joviality. … Read more
The Mixolydian mode is a raunchier version of the major scale commonly used in rock, blues, and jazz. Here’s how to use it in your own music!
The Ionian mode is another name for the major scale. Here’s how to build it and use it in your compositions!
Aeolian Mode is commonly used in folk music as well as many classical compositions and contemporary pop songs. It is the go-to “sad” key for pretty much all music.
The Lydian mode is a major scale with a raised fourth. It takes the major scale and makes it sound more expansive, hopeful, floaty, and mysterious.
The Phrygian mode is a minor scale with a flattened second. It’s perfect for creating an even more dissonant or unsettling minor scale.
The Dorian mode is a minor scale with a major sixth. It’s perfect for creating darker sounding music without it feeling sad or overdramatic.
This post is the ultimate list of musical terms. Use the Table of Contents to zoom around, or CTRL+F/CMD+F to find the term you’re looking for. Of any artistic discipline, music has some of the most complex and varied terminologies, from a bevy of fancy Italian words to essential slang tossed around in jazz circles. … Read more
In 2022, music production has never been more democratized and accessible to anyone. Here’s how to get started.