yes all modes are bassed on the majour scale. they are basically the same scale but starting in a different position. this means that the root second third fith etc of the scales are different.
the way i think of it is to say alll the relative modes essentially contain the same notes but different values are ascribed to them. for instance i 1 4 5 progression has a very strong 'feel'. now theoretically a 1 4 5 progression in one mode could be seen as a 3 6 7 in another. but the 3 6 7 progression doesnt have a strong enough feel to it. therfore the listner will hear the progression as a 1 4 5 progression in the first mode. so overalll the listner will hear what sounds the most 'normall', and 'familiar'. or basically what chords resolve best to others. this is what cadences are all about.
it is hard to truely appriciate modes if you play lead without accompanyment. if you are playing by yourself i would suggest playing a 1 4 5 progression in each of the modes (play the seventh chords, if u dont know them play the majour and minor ones). this should give you a better picture of modes