Peter.....I have been struggling for years off and on to understand "Modes" theories etc. etc. The only thing I had read, that entered my idle brain, was something written by Jean Ritchie.....twenty years ago.....while trying to learn a specific Dulcimer tune...(and that info has long since disappeared). UNTIL I kept up with reading your search for understanding the "stuff. Your "summary" of the info you received was exciting here....cause I UNDERSTOOD most of it. So, just want to say here, THANK YOU Peter...for having the energy to stick with it until you understood it; for having the skill with words you have for writing the "translation"; Thanks to RF for the motivation he brings out in you... and THANKS to the Mudcatters who PATIENTLY gave info and and advice in those threads until you said "I GOT IT"!!!!! BTW Blue Jay...your children see the grown-ups doing WHAT????? ;o)