Simply explained, when I use the modes I think of a major scale that is played by the different notes.

1. Ionian (major)
2. Dorian (The scale is played from the second note of the major scale)
3. Phrygian (The scale is played from the third note of the major scale)
4. Lydian (The scale is played from the forth note of the major scale)
5. Mixolydian (The scale is played from the fifth note of the major scale)
6. Aeolian (The scale is played from the sixth note of the major scale or natural minor)
7. Lokrian (The scale is played from the second note of the major scale)

If you want to build a mode from scratch, you can of course also use Formulas for each scale.

I. Ionian (1st mode)

whole step – half step – whole step – whole step – half step – whole step – whole step

II. Dorian (2nd mode)

whole step – half step – whole step – whole step – half step – whole step – whole step

III. Phrygian (3rd mode)

half step – whole step – whole step – whole step – half step – whole step – whole step

IV. Lydian (4th mode)

whole step – whole step – whole step – half step – whole step – whole step – half step

V. Mixolydian (5th mode)

whole step – whole step – half step – whole step – whole step – half step – whole step

VI Aeolian (6th mode)

whole step – half step – whole step – whole step – half step – whole step – whole step

VII. Locrian (7th mode)

half step – whole step – whole step – half step – whole step – whole step – whole step

How I think about modes:

1. Ionian (major)
2. Dorian (like minor with a major sixth)
3. Phrygian (like minor with a minor second)
4. Lydian (like major with an augmented forth)
5. Mixolydian (like major with a minor seventh)
6. Aeolian (natural minor)
7. Lokrian (like minor with a minor second and a diminished fifth)

My current knowledge for practical application:

• About a Maj#11/13 Playing Lydian
• Play Dorian over a Min11/b13
• Play Mixolydian over a dominant chord

There will certainly be more insights added to this blog entry over the years. Until then.