I've been reading the explanation to the question about the difference between the term tonal center and guide tone and came across the statement that modes can be in parallel or series. Please explain this statement that modes can be in parallel or series.


Parallel - as in Parallel Minor - C-C-C-C-C-C-C - lined up with same root, different mode:

  • C Ionian - Major
  • C Dorian
  • C Phrygian
  • C Lydian
  • C Mixolydian
  • C Aeolian - Parallel Minor
  • C Locrian

Series - in serial order -> C-> D-> E-> F-> G-> A-> B over the scale:

  • C Ionian
  • D Dorian
  • E Phrygian
  • F Lydian
  • G Mixolydian
  • A Aeolian
  • B Locrian
  • 1
    Succinct, well answered. – General Nuisance Oct 9 '17 at 2:26
  • 2
    Worth mentioning - parallel minor in C also incorporates those notes found in harmonic and melodic minors. Aeolian isn't exclusively the parallel minor. The answer is great for the question, though! +1 – Tim Oct 9 '17 at 7:41
  • So "series" and "parallel" is just terminology without any functional purpose? – user19146 Oct 9 '17 at 17:47
  • 1
    @alephzero - the question appears to be about terminology. That's what I answered. You are certainly free to elaborate on functionality if you deem it necessary. – Stinkfoot Oct 9 '17 at 21:34

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