Modal harmony is based on which characteristic?

Modal harmony is characterized by chords that are built from the tones of a particular mode. In music theory, modes are specific scales derived from the major scale by starting on different degrees of that scale. Each mode has its own unique set of intervals and tonal qualities, creating different emotional and harmonic landscapes. When harmony is organized around a specific mode, it reflects the distinctive sound of that mode, making it possible to create a rich harmonic texture that is different from traditional major or minor key structures.

Using chords constructed from the specific intervals and notes of a mode allows composers and musicians to explore a wide array of harmonic possibilities and expressiveness. This is what sets modal harmony apart from other harmonic practices, as it emphasizes a particular set of tonal relationships rather than adhering strictly to the major or minor tonalities defined by traditional scales.