Which mode is major with a flattened seventh degree?

Study for the Praxis Music Content and Instruction (5114) Test. Prepare with multiple choice questions and materials, complete with explanations and clarifications. Master the content and excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which mode is major with a flattened seventh degree?

Explanation:
This question tests recognizing a mode defined by a lowered seventh scale degree. In a major (Ionian) scale, the seventh degree is natural. Lowering that seventh by a half step creates a scale that still has a major-sounding pattern of intervals but with a b7, which is the defining feature of Mixolydian. For example, starting on C, the Mixolydian collection is C D E F G A Bb C. Other modes listed change different degrees or have a minor quality, so they don’t match the idea of a major mode with a flattened seventh. Therefore, the mode that fits is Mixolydian.

This question tests recognizing a mode defined by a lowered seventh scale degree. In a major (Ionian) scale, the seventh degree is natural. Lowering that seventh by a half step creates a scale that still has a major-sounding pattern of intervals but with a b7, which is the defining feature of Mixolydian. For example, starting on C, the Mixolydian collection is C D E F G A Bb C. Other modes listed change different degrees or have a minor quality, so they don’t match the idea of a major mode with a flattened seventh. Therefore, the mode that fits is Mixolydian.

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