Drones, Modes & Scale Degrees

Goal
Understand how to use drones to create modes, and stable vs. unstable scale degrees.

Vocabulary
•    drone = sustained note(s) that serve as musical foundation
•    mode = musical mood based on relationship between a scale & bass note
•    major = tonality evoking happiness, brightness, & light-heartedness
•    minor = tonality evoking sadness, darkness, & heavy-heartedness
•    scale degree = labeling notes with numbers based on position in scale

Essential Knowledge
•    Labeling notes with scale degree numbers rather than note letters focuses on function rather than pitch.
•    Scale degree 1 is the most stable, followed by scale degrees 3 & 5.
•    Scale degrees 2, 4, 6, & 7 are unstable.

Tips
•    The drone note is the foundation in establishing a mode.
•    C drone = classic major mode (ionian)
•    F & G drones = major-sounding modes (lydian & mixolydian)
•    A drone = classic minor mode (aolian)
•    D & E drones = minor-sounding modes (dorian & phrygian)
•    B drone = most unstable mode (locrian)

Fun Facts
•    Drones are very common in Indian Carnatic music, aboriginal Australian didgeridoo, Albanian vocal music, the Scottish bagpipes, etc.