Which mode is associated with flat seven?

• A. Dorian
• B. Ionian mode
• C. Lydian
• D. Mixolydian

Answer: (C)

Flat seven means the seventh scale degree is lowered by a half step compared to the major scale. Among the modes, Ionian (major) has a natural seventh, and Lydian keeps the seventh natural while changing the fourth. Dorian also features a flat seventh, but it comes with an additional alteration (a flattened third) that gives it a different feel. Mixolydian, on the other hand, lowers only the seventh while keeping the other degrees as in the major scale, producing that characteristic dominant sound.

For example, in G Mixolydian the notes are G A B C D E F G. The seventh degree is F, which is a semitone lower than F# would be in G major, illustrating the flat seventh.

So the mode associated with a flat seven is Mixolydian.