Q: but, like, what does any of that have to do with playing or writing music? I never really understood the significance of modes. I never think about them when playing or writing music.
A: forget the idea of the way you explained it. think of them all with a C root. then i think you'll get it. u know the c major scale, right? ever wanted a flat 7 in that scale, and keeping the rest major? pow, thats mixolydian. ever wanted a minor scale with a natural 6? i bet you do, that would be sly. pow thats dorian. ever wanted to take a major scale and sharp the 4, for that childlike wonder in the intro to a steven spielberg movie? pow, thats lydian. hope that helps