The **diatonic modes** are the seven [[modes|scale types]] that arise when each scale degree serves as tonic, each with a distinctive pattern of [[half steps and whole steps]]. Although their names derive from the church modes recognized by medieval musicians, the diatonic modes are not equivalent to them. 1. [[Ionian mode]] 2. [[Dorian mode]] 3. [[Phrygian mode]] 4. [[Lydian mode]] 5. [[Mixolydian mode]] 6. [[Aeolian mode]] 7. [[Locrian mode]]