Which mode has a flat 7?

Which mode has a flat 7?

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

Answer: (B)

Having a flat seven means the seventh scale degree is lowered by a semitone relative to the major scale (Ionian). In Ionian, the seventh is a natural major seventh, so there is no flat seven. Lydian also keeps the seventh natural, even though it raises the fourth. Dorian lowers the seventh, giving a flat seventh. Phrygian likewise lowers the seventh, so it also has a flat seventh. Among the given options, the modes that include a flat seven are Dorian and Phrygian; if you’re looking for a standard example, Dorian is a classic instance of a mode with a flat seventh.

Having a flat seven means the seventh scale degree is lowered by a semitone relative to the major scale (Ionian). In Ionian, the seventh is a natural major seventh, so there is no flat seven. Lydian also keeps the seventh natural, even though it raises the fourth. Dorian lowers the seventh, giving a flat seventh. Phrygian likewise lowers the seventh, so it also has a flat seventh. Among the given options, the modes that include a flat seven are Dorian and Phrygian; if you’re looking for a standard example, Dorian is a classic instance of a mode with a flat seventh.