Which mode begins on the fourth degree of the major scale with half steps between 4-5 and 7-8?

Which mode begins on the fourth degree of the major scale with half steps between 4-5 and 7-8?

• A. Locrian mode
• B. Dorian mode
• C. Phrygian mode
• D. Lydian mode

Answer: (D)

Starting on the fourth degree of a major scale reshuffles where the half steps occur, while using the same notes as the parent scale. In the major scale, the semi­tone steps are between the third–fourth and seventh–eighth degrees. When you take the fourth degree as the tonic and spell the scale with the same notes, you get a mode with half steps between the fourth and fifth notes and between the seventh and eighth notes. For example, in C major, the fourth degree is F, giving F–G–A–B–C–D–E–F. The half steps are B–C and E–F, which is the distinctive pattern of the Lydian mode. Lydian is also recognizable by its raised fourth degree, relative to the root, which is why the fourth degree in this mode sounds noticeably brighter.

Starting on the fourth degree of a major scale reshuffles where the half steps occur, while using the same notes as the parent scale. In the major scale, the semi­tone steps are between the third–fourth and seventh–eighth degrees. When you take the fourth degree as the tonic and spell the scale with the same notes, you get a mode with half steps between the fourth and fifth notes and between the seventh and eighth notes. For example, in C major, the fourth degree is F, giving F–G–A–B–C–D–E–F. The half steps are B–C and E–F, which is the distinctive pattern of the Lydian mode. Lydian is also recognizable by its raised fourth degree, relative to the root, which is why the fourth degree in this mode sounds noticeably brighter.