how to memorize your MODES

I find modes extremely useful in my day to day world, considering the areas of music that I find myself in. I have memorized all of the modes, and I really only use 2 different methods of constructing them.

A: Modifying the closets major/minor scale to the mode.

B: "Playing" a major scale starting on a different note.

Personally, the different modes/scale types are easier to build/remember in different ways. Take Lydian for instance, a major scale with the sharp 4. It is faster for me to remember C lydian as C D E F# G A B C. Changing one note is quicker and easier, than it is for me to go up a perfect 5th/down a perfect 4th and play "in that key" starting on C (Key of G major = 1 # but starting on C).

However, for a mode like Dorian: I look down the keyboard (or visualize one) a whole step and play in that key/apply those flats or sharps. When paying F Dorian it is easier for me to look down to Eb and apply Bb Eb and Ab and start on F. Giving me: F G Ab Bb C D Eb F.

If you actually want practical tips on how to memorize them from a playing perspective, it's rather easy and straightforward. Take your favorite scale based exercises and warmups and play those in a variety of modes and scales. One day you should pick a starting note, and play all of the modes (Ionian/Major, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian/Natural Minor, Locrian) and maybe even Harmonic Minor/Melodic Minor (and other spicier ones too if you are inclined eventually) starting on that one note.

Ionian: C D E F G A B C - Major

Dorian: C D Eb F G A Bb C - Key down a whole step / b3 b7 / minor - b6

Phrygian: C Db Eb F G Ab Bb C - Key down a M3 / b2 b3 b6 b7 / minor + b3

Lydian: C D E F# G A B C - Key up a P5 / #4

Mixolydian: C D E F G A Bb C - Key up a P4 / b7

Aeolian: C D Eb F G Ab Bb C - Natural Minor

Locrian: C Db Eb F Gb Ab Bb C - Scale "starting" on leading tone or 7th note / b2 b3 b5 b6 b7 / minor + b2 b5

Eventually you will start to discover ways that your own brain prefers to think about each mode, and it will get easier and easier. To the point where you just end up memorizing the shapes or note names for each scale, as if it were as easy as a major scale. Don't overcomplicate it, just practice a little EVERY day.