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Modal Chord Progressions: Ionian and Aeolian Modes
The modal chord progressions with which we are all familiar are based on the Ionian and Aeolian modes—the major and natural minor scales. Figure 122 below shows the default circular harmonic scale for the key of C major/A minor. Inside the circle are the modified Nashville numbers (Roman numerals) and also the number of semitones between chord roots. For example, the number of semitones between the C major chord root and the F major chord root is five.
FIGURE 122: Chord Map of Circular Harmonic Scale with Numbers of Semitones Between Chord Roots
The chords of the major mode and the chords of the minor mode each form a grouping of three consecutive chords on opposite sides of the circular harmonic scale. The major and minor modes sound entirely different, which makes for striking natural harmonic contrast within a cohesive harmonic framework. The oddball six-semitone interval, and the rootless, dissonant diminished chord, are located, conveniently, between the chord groupings of the two modes.
Proceeding clockwise, the overall effect is palatable and satisfying.
Do the Church modes fare as well with respect to scales of chords?