Presentation of the Four Strong Modes

(see theUse Of Color)

Let’s start with a simple definition
A strong mode is one which possesses a strong, DOMINANT-TONIC cadence.

Chord Components
Before we continue, let's recap the names of the chord components -
     a chord is built with what we call aFRAME(the root and the fifth)
          composed of the Primary Notes,
               theCOMMON TONE, common to both chords of the progression, and
               thePROPER TONE, specific to each chord of the progression.
          The Secondary Notes consist of
               theMEDIAN(the third), placed inside theFRAMEand
               theMOTRIX(the seventh or the sixth), placed outside theFRAME.
                    SeeHarmony - Basic Materials - Individual Chords

DOMINANT-type Chord
Now let's continue with another simple definition:
A strong "DOMINANT-type" chord is one which has
     the interval of a diminished fifth (or augmented fourth)
          between the two Secondary Notes,
               theMEDIANand theMOTRIX.
     These chords are represented by the chord symbols "⁷" and "m⁶"
          (Ex: G⁷and Dm⁶).

All other types of chords (Ex: Dm⁷, F⁶, C⁺⁷, Am^-6) are weak
because they have a perfect fifth (or fourth) between the Secondary Notes.

Any weak chord may be strengthened
     (Dominantized, use BACK button to return)
by the appropriate chromaticism applied to theMEDIANor to theMOTRIX.

Table of the Four Strong Modes

Click on the chord symbols to hear the progression

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Generation of the Four Strong Modes
1. The Diatonic Major Mode
2. The Diatonic Minor Mode
3. The Chromatic Major Mode
4. The Chromatic Minor Mode
5. Adjacent Chromatic Modes
6. A melodic Example