Table of Modes

 

Name	Range	Similar Scale To
Ionian (Bilaval)	C to C	Same as major scale
Dorian (Kafi)	D to D	It is a major scale with a flat 3rd and a flat 7th note (natural minor scale with raised sixth note).
Phrygian (Bhairavin)	E to E	It is a major scale with 2 - 3 - 6 - 7 played flat (natural minor scale with lowered second note).
Lydian (Kalyan)	F to F	It is a major scale with a sharp 4.
Mixolydian (Khamaj)	G to G	It is a major scale with a flat seventh note. It's used a lot in rock and roll and jazz music.
Aeolian (Asavari)	A to A	Also called the natural minor scale. It is a major scale with a flat 3 - 6 - 7.
Locrian (Marva)	B to B	It is a major scale with a flat 2 - 3 - 5 - 6 - 7. Natural minor with a flattened second and fifth note.

 

 

Western Notation for the Thaats

The basic formula for the frequencies of the notes of the equal tempered scale is given by
f_n = f₀ * (a)ⁿ
where
f₀ = the frequency of one fixed note which must be defined. A common choice is setting the A above middle C (A₄) at f₀ = 440 Hz.
n = the number of half steps away from the fixed note you are. If you are at a higher note, n is positive. If you are on a lower note, n is negative.
f_n = the frequency of the note n half steps away.
a = (2)^1/12 = the twelth root of 2 = the number which when multiplied by itself 12 times equals 2 = 1.059463094359...

The wavelength of the sound for the notes is found from
W_n = c/f_n
where W is the wavelength and c is the speed of sound. The speed of sound depends on temperature, but is approximately 345 m/s at "room temperature."

Examples using A₄ = 440 Hz:

C₅ = the C an octave above middle C. This is 3 half steps above A₄ and so the frequency is
f₃ = 440 * (1.059463..)³ = 523.3 Hz
If your calculator does not have the ability to raise to powers, then use the fact that
(1.059463..)³ = (1.059463..)*(1.059463..)*(1.059463..)
That is, you multiply it by itself 3 times.

Middle C is 9 half steps below A₄ and the frequency is:
f _-9 = 440 * (1.059463..)^-9 = 261.6 Hz
If you don't have powers on your calculator, remember that the negative sign on the power means you divide instead of multiply. For this example, you divide by (1.059463..) 9 times.