Modal harmony refers to the use of different musical modes to create a sense of tension and resolution in music. Unlike traditional harmony, which often relies on major and minor scales, modal harmony explores the unique characteristics of modes such as Dorian, Phrygian, and Mixolydian. Each mode has its own distinct sound and emotional quality, allowing composers to evoke various feelings.
In modal harmony, chords and melodies are constructed using the notes of a specific mode, leading to innovative harmonic progressions. This approach is commonly found in genres like jazz, folk, and modal jazz, where musicians experiment with modal scales to enhance their improvisation and composition.