Which mode begins on the third degree of the major scale with half steps between 1-2 and 5-6?

Which mode begins on the third degree of the major scale with half steps between 1-2 and 5-6?

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

Answer: (D)

The key idea is identifying a mode by where it starts and where the half steps occur. Starting on the third degree of a major scale gives you the Phrygian mode. In Phrygian, the half steps appear between the first and second degrees and again between the fifth and sixth degrees. For example, in C major, starting on E yields E-F-G-A-B-C-D-E. The steps E-F and B-C are half steps, matching Phrygian’s pattern. The other modes begin on different degrees and have different placements of half steps, so they don’t fit this exact pattern.

The key idea is identifying a mode by where it starts and where the half steps occur. Starting on the third degree of a major scale gives you the Phrygian mode. In Phrygian, the half steps appear between the first and second degrees and again between the fifth and sixth degrees. For example, in C major, starting on E yields E-F-G-A-B-C-D-E. The steps E-F and B-C are half steps, matching Phrygian’s pattern. The other modes begin on different degrees and have different placements of half steps, so they don’t fit this exact pattern.