Which mode is described as flat 2, 3, 5, 6, 7?

Which mode is described as flat 2, 3, 5, 6, 7?

• A. Locrian
• B. Dorian
• C. Phrygian
• D. Aeolian

Answer: (D)

Think in terms of how each mode alters the major scale’s degrees. The description “flat 2, flat 3, flat 5, flat 6, flat 7” means those specific scale degrees are lowered relative to the major scale, while the root and the fourth stay the same. So the pattern of scale degrees becomes 1, b2, b3, 4, b5, b6, b7. That exact collection defines the Locrian mode. For example, starting on C, you get C, Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb. This set of alterations—lowered second, third, fifth, sixth, and seventh—fits Locrian uniquely. Other modes change different degrees, so they don’t match this particular combination of lowered steps.

Think in terms of how each mode alters the major scale’s degrees. The description “flat 2, flat 3, flat 5, flat 6, flat 7” means those specific scale degrees are lowered relative to the major scale, while the root and the fourth stay the same. So the pattern of scale degrees becomes 1, b2, b3, 4, b5, b6, b7. That exact collection defines the Locrian mode. For example, starting on C, you get C, Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb. This set of alterations—lowered second, third, fifth, sixth, and seventh—fits Locrian uniquely. Other modes change different degrees, so they don’t match this particular combination of lowered steps.