Another way to look at modes is by interval structure. This is a more accurate way of understanding Diatonic Major and Relative Minor Modes but can also be a clear way to label modes from more exotic scales like the Melodic Minor. I have many students working on Shred and Numetal where the Melodic Minor Modes & Chords are used in the compositions.
Here is the thinking.
1. The modes will fall into either a Major or Minor category.
2. In C Major or A Minor as a example the Major Modes would be: C Ionian or C Major,
F Lydian, and G Mixolydian.
3. The interval part. Ok, so using C Major for the Major Scale Interval Structure you could think F Lydian is a Major Scale with a (Raised 4th)...cause it is, lol.
4. Ok then, G Mixolydian is a Major Scale with a (Flat 7th) scale degree.
Minor Mode Category:
Ok, I separated this to show the Minor Modes
1. A Natural Minor is the Relative Minor to C Major.
2. D Dorian is a minor scale with a (Raised 6th).
3. E Phrygian is a minor scale with a (Flat 2nd).
4. B Locrian is a minor scale with a (Flat 2nd & Flat 5th)...cool! 2 alterations in this mode.
So many guitarist get tripped up with this Scale/Mode confusion and it can paralyze your improvisation.