Tutorial:
Understanding Scales & Modes in Psytrance

Before we dive in, let’s go over some key terms you’ll often see in music theory. Understanding these will help you speak the same language as other producers and musicians — and make sense of what’s really happening when you build melodies, chords, or basslines.

1. What is a Scale?

A scale is a collection of notes arranged in order, usually from low to high (ascending) or high to low (descending).
It’s like a palette of notes that a song or melody is built from.

Example:
• C Major scale → C - D - E - F - G - A - B
• A Minor scale → A - B - C - D - E - F - G

Each scale has its own mood or color:
• Major = bright or happy
• Minor = darker or emotional

Think of a scale as the DNA of your melody and harmony.

2. What is a Mode?

A mode is a variation of a scale — same notes, but starting from a different point.
Modes come from the major scale, and each one creates a unique emotional feel.

Example using the C Major scale (C–D–E–F–G–A–B):

• Ionian (C–D–E–F–G–A–B) → Normal Major
• Dorian (D–E–F–G–A–B–C) → Jazzy, groovy
• Phrygian (E–F–G–A–B–C–D) → Exotic, tense
• Lydian (F–G–A–B–C–D–E) → Dreamy, floaty
• Mixolydian (G–A–B–C–D–E–F) → Funky, rock-like
• Aeolian (A–B–C–D–E–F–G) → Natural Minor
• Locrian (B–C–D–E–F–G–A) → Dissonant, unstable

In short:
Modes = different emotional flavors created by starting the same scale on different notes.

3. What is an Interval?

An interval is the distance between two notes, measured in semitones (half-steps).

Examples:
• C → D = Major 2nd (2 semitones apart)
• C → E = Major 3rd (4 semitones apart)
• C → G = Perfect 5th (7 semitones apart)

Intervals determine how harmonious or tense something sounds — they’re the building blocks of chords and melodies.

4. What Does Diatonic Mean?

Diatonic means “within the key or scale.”
It refers to notes that naturally belong to a given scale — no sharps or flats from outside.

Example:
 • In C Major, the diatonic notes are C, D, E, F, G, A, B.
 

If you play F# or Bb → those are non-diatonic (outside the key).

A diatonic chord progression uses only notes and chords from one scale.

Summary

Scale → A set of notes that define a key (C Major: C–D–E–F–G–A–B)
Mode → Variation of a scale with a different emotional flavor (D Dorian: D–E–F–G–A–B–C)
Interval → Distance between two notes (C → G = Perfect 5th)
Diatonic → Staying inside the chosen scale/key (C Major chords only)