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The major scale is made up of seven notes. In the key of C the notes are:

C D E F G A B (and C again)

Ionian Scale: Use this to play over C major sounds

If we take the second note in the scale D, and play the exact same scale but ending on the same starting note of D we have a new mode. In this case it is the second mode called Dorian.

Dorian Scale: Use this to play over D Minor 7 sounds

If we take the 3rd note in the scale E and play the same scale, again ending onthe same note E, we have our third mode called Phrygian. Like this:

Phrygian Scale: use this to play over Em7 sounds

The fourth mode is the Lydian mode and starts and ends on the note F.

Lydian Scale: use this to play over Fmaj7 sounds

The fifth mode is called the Mixolydian mode and starts and ends on the note G.

Mixolydian scale: use this to play over G7 sounds

The sixth mode is the Aeolian mode and starts and ends on the note A.

Aeolian Scale: use this to play over Am7 sounds

The last mode is called the Locrian mode and starts and ends on the note B.

Locrian Scale: use this to play over Bm7(b5) sounds