Okay, so Modes always kinda confused the hell out of me. I never got it when they were explaining it using a scale.
This approach to modes is basically the formula for each mode, it shows you how the scale degrees are each affected in that mode.
I’m listing them in order of expansion

> = Raised one half step
< = Lowered one half step

Based on a Major scale:

Lydian – > 4 (lydian mode is the major scale with a raised 4)
Ionian – is the major scale
Mixolydian – < 7
Dorian – < 3 < 7
Aeolian – < 3 < 6 < 7 (is the natural minor scale)
Phrygian – < 2 < 3 < 6 < 7
Locrian – < 2 < 3 < 5 < 6 < 7

Each degree is affected in a half step… a lowered 2 is a flat 2. I say raised and lowered to prevent confusion in scales with sharps and flats in them.
The modes in order by scale degree (The way I don’t like) are:

Ionian
Dorian
Phrygian
Lydian
Mixolydian
Aeolian
Locrian

A short mnemonic:
I
Don’t
Prefer
Lousy
Modal
Answers
uhhh…. Locrian

Hope this helps anyone who has been having trouble with modes. Practice them with different fingerings.

– Cob