First of all I apologize to those who were annoyed that I asked the question, and thanks to everybody who responded. I DID read the previous threads about modes, and I still wasn't able to grasp the concept. I thought I'd give it another try but it still isn't very clear to me. I have never been able to understand music theory very well although I've always been able to pick things up by ear very quickly. It seems that the subject of modes is not simple - judging from the responses and debates generated by my question. Anyway I have a mountain dulcimer on order which should be arriving in a couple of weeks and that's where the question of modes came from - it seems they play an important part in dulcimer music. I will just do as Russ suggested - I have books that tell you how to tune the dulcimer to the different modes so I will just do it and listen and play. I may not always know what mode I'm playing in (just as I don't always know exactly what key I'm in when I play the guitar - especially when I'm using a capo) but I'll manage. Again, thanks to all who tried to help and sorry that some felt the question shouldn't have been asked on Mudcat.