A mode is a variation of a musical scale which uses the same pattern of steps and half steps but starting on a note other than the tonic. For example, the major scale is built on a pattern of tone - tone - semi-tone - tone - tone - tone - semi-tone. The first mode of the major scale in the key of G would begin with the tonic note G, thus giving G-A-B-C-D-E-F#-G. The second mode would begin on the second note of the scale, thus would give A-B-C-D-E-F#-G. Thus each scale has a mode for each note in the scale. In order, the modes are called the Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian.