Which mode has half steps between 3-4 and 6-7 and starts on the fifth degree of the major scale (for example, white keys from G to G)?

Which mode has half steps between 3-4 and 6-7 and starts on the fifth degree of the major scale (for example, white keys from G to G)?

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

Answer: (A)

This is Mixolydian. Starting on the fifth degree of a major scale creates a mode that has a lowered seventh compared with the major scale. If you take C major and start on G, you get G A B C D E F G. In this order, the half steps occur between the third and fourth degrees (B–C) and again between the sixth and seventh degrees (E–F). That exact pattern of half steps defines this mode, and starting on the fifth degree confirms it as Mixolydian. The other modes don’t share this combination of starting pitch and the same half-step layout: they would show different interval relationships (for example, Dorian has a minor third and a different 6–7 pattern, Lydian has a raised fourth, etc.).

This is Mixolydian. Starting on the fifth degree of a major scale creates a mode that has a lowered seventh compared with the major scale. If you take C major and start on G, you get G A B C D E F G. In this order, the half steps occur between the third and fourth degrees (B–C) and again between the sixth and seventh degrees (E–F). That exact pattern of half steps defines this mode, and starting on the fifth degree confirms it as Mixolydian. The other modes don’t share this combination of starting pitch and the same half-step layout: they would show different interval relationships (for example, Dorian has a minor third and a different 6–7 pattern, Lydian has a raised fourth, etc.).