6 prominent ragas from each mode of the major scale

Let us use C major scale notes for finding the swaras in each mode of the major scale.

First mode – Ionian – the major scale

C major scale : C D E F G A B C
Swaras and notes starting from C note:

Swaras for each note in the major scale:

The major scale notes correspond to the swaras of Raga Shankarabharanam.

Second mode – Dorian

The second mode of the C major scale starts from the second note (D) of the C major scale. The dorian mode of the C major scale uses the exact same notes as the major scale, though from a different starting point.

D dorian scale : D E F G A B C D

Swaras and notes starting from D

Swaras for each note of the Dorian scale starting from D:

The notes of the dorian scale, which is the 2nd mode of the major scale,  correspond to the swaras of Raga Kharaharapriya.

Third mode – Phrygian

Phrygian mode of the C major scale starts from the note E. It has the same notes as the C major scale, but starts from E instead of C.
E phrygian scale : E F G A B C D E
Swaras and notes starting from E

Swaras for each note of the Phrygian scale starting from E:

The swaras of the phrygian mode correspond to that of Raga Hanumatodi.

Fourth mode – Lydian

Lydian mode of the C major scale starts from the note F. It has the same notes as the C major scale, but starts from F, the 4th note of the C major scale.
F lydian scale : F G A B C D E F
Swaras and notes starting from F

Swaras for each note of the Lydian scale starting from F:

Swaras corresponding to the notes of the Lydian scale are that of the Raga Kalyani.

Fifth mode – Mixolydian

Mixolydian mode of the C major scale starts from the note G. It has the same notes as the C major scale, but starts from G, the 5th note of the C major scale.
G mixolydian scale : G A B C D E F G
Swaras and notes starting from G

Swaras for each note of the Mixolydian scale starting from G:

Swaras corresponding to the notes of the Mixolydian scale are that of the Raga Harikamboji.

Sixth mode – Aeolian (natural minor scale)

Aeolian mode, the 6th mode of the C major scale starts from the 6th note A of the C major scale. It has the same notes as the C major scale, but starts from note A instead of note C.
A aeolian scale : A B C D E F G A
Swaras and notes starting from A

Swaras for each note of the Aeolian scale starting from A:

Swaras corresponding to the notes of the Mixolydian scale are that of the Raga Natabhairavi.

Summary: Ragas corresponding to each mode of the major scale:

1.    Raga shankara bharanam – ionian (major scale)
2.    Raga kharaharapriya – dorian
3.    Raga hanumatodi – phrygian
4.    Raga kalyani – lydian
5.    Raga harikamboji – mixolydian
6.    Raga natabhairavi – aeolian
7.    (locrian scale without pa – not a melakarta raga)

More ragas and chords