The seven modes are all constructed from the same major scale notes and yet each one is unique due to the different order of intervals within the mode. Each mode contains five whole tone intervals and two semitone intervals.

Similarities:

I Ionian C D E F G A B C

(insert sheet music of each scale)

II Dorian D E F G A B C D

III Phrygian E F G A B C D E

IV Lydian F G A B C D E F

V Mixolydian G A B C D E F G

VI Aeolian A B C D E F G A

VII Locrian B C D E F G A B

Differences:

I Ionian C D E F G A B C Tonic (root)

II Dorian C D Eb F G A Bb C Supertonic

III Phrygian C Db Eb F G Ab Bb C Mediant

IV Lydian C D E F# G A B C Sub-dominant

V Mixolydian C D E F G A Bb C Dominant

VI Aeolian C D Eb F G Ab Bb C Sub-mediant (relative minor)

VII Locrian C Db Eb F Gb Ab Bb C Seventh

Some of the most common scales are derived from these modes such as the following two pentatonic scales:

Minor Pentatonic Scale

The minor pentatonic scale is one of the most common scales of all but it is really just the Aeolian mode playing only five of the notes. (i.e. 1, b3, 4, 5, b7).

Major Pentatonic Scale

The major pentatonic scale is just the Major scale (Ionian mode) playing only five of the notes (i.e. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6).