Alright here we go! Deeper down the rabbit hole. Buckle up...
Modes are a series of scales that use the same exact notes but each have a unique sound. Does this sound familiar? If you went through the lessons on the previous page you would have learned the concept of relative major/relative minor, in which two different scales are represented by the same notes, but they have two very different sounds. What if I told you we could apply this same concept to 5 other scales? This is the general concept behind modes. We'll go in more detail on this toward the end of this page, but first let me show you how to play each mode.
The major and natural minor scales comprise two of the seven modes. Below is a depiction of all seven.
Ionian
Good news! This is one you've already learned. The Ionian Mode is the same as the major scale you learned on the previous page. The tab below should look very familiar.
Modes are a series of scales that use the same exact notes but each have a unique sound. Does this sound familiar? If you went through the lessons on the previous page you would have learned the concept of relative major/relative minor, in which two different scales are represented by the same notes, but they have two very different sounds. What if I told you we could apply this same concept to 5 other scales? This is the general concept behind modes. We'll go in more detail on this toward the end of this page, but first let me show you how to play each mode.
The major and natural minor scales comprise two of the seven modes. Below is a depiction of all seven.
Ionian
Good news! This is one you've already learned. The Ionian Mode is the same as the major scale you learned on the previous page. The tab below should look very familiar.
Just like before, this example starts on the 8th fret, which you know makes this in the key of C. Lets move on to one you aren't familiar with.
Dorian
The Dorian Mode is similar to the natural minor scale but with one difference: the 6th note of the scale is moved up a half step (moving from what is called a minor 6th to a major 6th). In the tab above you'll see this on the 14th fret of the A string and 12th fret of the B string. This is what makes the Dorian Mode so unique sounding. It's technically a minor scale, but it sounds slightly happier than the natural minor scale (and other minor modes you will learn). Since we started on the 10th fret, you already know this would be considered the D Dorian Mode. This scale is pretty common. You'll see it used a lot in blues, blues-based rock, jazz, and pop.
On the intro page to scales I put a link to a video on this. If you haven't seen it I would encourage you to check it out. It's a video that shows you how to use the Dorian Mode and mix it in with other scales.
On the intro page to scales I put a link to a video on this. If you haven't seen it I would encourage you to check it out. It's a video that shows you how to use the Dorian Mode and mix it in with other scales.
Phrygian
This one is also similar to the natural minor scale, the only difference is it has a minor 2nd (there is a half step between the first and second interval of the scale, instead of a whole step). You will notice this one sounds a bit darker than Dorian or the natural minor scale.
You won't see this one very often in popular music, and when you do it most likely will only be used in part of the song. This mode was used quite a bit in Spanish/Flamenco music. Also with the dark sound of the minor 2nd, you will see it used in metal- for at least part of a song.
Lydian
This one is really interesting. It's the major scale with an augmented 4th (the 4th note of the major scale is raised a half step). Take a look below.
It's a happy sounding scale but with a mysterious element to it. It's used quite a bit in movie soundtracks, and like some of these other modes it will appear in popular music, but typically not for the entirety of the song; just showing up in small spaces. One famous example where you can find this mode is in the theme song for The Simpsons.
Mixolydian
The Mixolydian Mode is another offshoot of the major scale, but with a minor 7th. It's also sometimes referred to as the Dominant Scale. Take a look below.
This one is a bit more common in popular music. You'll also see this used a lot in folk, country, blues, and jazz. The dominant 7th chord is built in to this scale, which helps aid in a more folky, or major blues sound. Where the Dorian Mode is often used in minor blues, the Mixolydian Mode can be used in the same way to play major blues. You can also find this one in rock.
Aeolian
More good news! This is another one you've already learned. The Aeolian Mode is the same as the natural minor scale. The diagram below should look familiar.
Aeolian
More good news! This is another one you've already learned. The Aeolian Mode is the same as the natural minor scale. The diagram below should look familiar.
Locrian
This is a strange one... Of all of the modes this one is the weirdest and by far the least used in popular music (you'll struggle to find this one used in any songs that have topped the charts).
This one takes the minor scale and lowers the 2nd and 5th notes by a half step. Of all of the modes you can make this one your lowest priority to learn. It's an ugly one if you ask me.
Modal Relationships
Do you remember at the beginning of this page where I said you can make all of these modes out of the same exact notes? Lets now talk about the relationship between each mode, and this part is very important.
For starters we'll review the Ionian Mode. This will be the base mode to focus on.
By this point I imagine you are becoming more familiar with the fretboard (If not, go back to the page on Major/Natural Minor Scales and review the fretboard diagram).
The same notes in the above scale can be repositioned both higher and lower on the neck. We can depict this in 7 different ways, moving one position within the scale each time. Lets review these below (If you want a more in depth view of the different scale positions check out our ebook The Beginner's Guide To Guitar Solo for more).
The same notes in the above scale can be repositioned both higher and lower on the neck. We can depict this in 7 different ways, moving one position within the scale each time. Lets review these below (If you want a more in depth view of the different scale positions check out our ebook The Beginner's Guide To Guitar Solo for more).
The above example is the exact same as the scale before it, C Ionian, only I repositioned the notes up one interval within the scale. Now lets keep moving up and/or down the neck to show how this scale would look. Again, each of these are the exact same notes as the first scale.
Did you notice anything interesting about these forms of the scale? Did they seem familiar? Well they should have. Each one of these positions followed the same form as the modes from the first section. Depending on which note you start from (more specifically which note you establish as your root), you can play through the same scale and produce a very different sound, just like you did with the major and natural minor scale.
Now lets take a look at each note of the scale in their proper order. What we have with C Ionian, (also C major) are the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, B and repeat with each octave.
What if you took these same notes, but started from different positions? For example lets move up to the second note of the C Ionian Mode, which would be D. So now keep them in order but start with D and you get D, E, F, G, A, B, C. This matches the D Dorian Mode. Now what if you moved up to the third note of the scale and played through it? You would get E, F, G, A, B, C, D. Guess which mode this is? Hint: It was the third mode you played. If you said Phrygian, you would be correct. From here finish going through each interval- start from the 4th-Lydian, 5th-Mixolydian, 6th-Aeolian, 7th-Locrian.
1. Ionian (Major Scale)
2. Dorian (Minor Scale with a major 6th)
3. Phrygian (Minor Scale with a minor 2nd)
4. Lydian (Major Scale with an augmented 4th)
5. Mixolydian (Major Scale with a minor 7th)
6. Aeolian (Natural Minor Scale)
7. Locrian (Minor Scale with 2nd and 5th lowered a half step)
Another way you could say this is: Dorian is the second mode of the Major Scale, Phrygian is the third mode of the Major Scale, Lydian fourth, etc. etc.
So how do you use all of this? Well understanding how each mode relates to the Major Scale is useful because all you need to do is memorize one of these scales and you've learned them all - assuming you memorize every position up and down the neck. If you're new to modes I suggest you start here. But eventually you will want to go deeper with modal theory and you should understand each modes as a stand alone scale. From there you can write your own songs, or solo on top of songs that make use of each mode (although Locrian... meh not so much).
Of course this takes time to learn, lots of practice, and more importantly what I call practical practice- not practicing a technique for the sake of practice, but apply it within a context that makes sense. This is what I teach. Don't just sit down at a desk and learn music the way you learned Algebra... lets make it fun. Lets make sure you maintain passion for the guitar as you learn. Lets also focus on the creative aspect of music. Learn to use these scales to write your own melodies and put them within the scope of songs you enjoy.
If you're still reading this than I know you are one of the few, elite students who has what it takes to get good at playing the guitar. The vast majority of students quit before they have even learned their basic chords. If you have made it to the point of looking at scales and modes, then you have shown a true dedication and an ability to stick with your craft. Let me help you get to the next level.
Can you learn guitar over Skype? This is a question I get a lot. And my answer... Of course you can. In fact I would say it's a better option. Now I will say if you are someone who has never even touched a guitar and you want to learn, could it be more difficult to take lessons when your teacher isn't in the room with you? In this situation I would say yes, but I would also say before taking any lessons, whether in person or online, you should become familiar with your guitar. Learn some of the basics first- how to tune, how notes are produced by placing your fingers down on frets, learn some basic chords, etc.
Once you have the basics down you should have more than enough understanding to take lessons over Skype. At that point there is no need for your teacher to physically be in the same room as you. All of the information necessary can be communicated verbally or by showing you my guitar on the screen.
In addition to the one hour Skype lesson each week, you also get a personalized lesson plan emailed to you for you to work on between lessons. Every person is different when it comes to free time and managing their busy schedules, and this is taken into account in your lesson plan. This is another reason why online lessons are better, it gives you more flexibility with your schedule. You don't have to drive anywhere you can stay in the comfort of your own home, and available time slots are a lot more open than when they are done from a brick and mortar business. And besides, why limit yourself to your local area for teachers when you have access to the entire world online?
We are currently offering 50% off your first month for one on one Skype lessons if you purchase your lesson by September 31st. Just email matt@guitarcram.com the coupon code 409A and we will apply your discount.
I hope to hear from you soon.
-Matt
feel free to send any questions or inquiries to matt@guitarcram.com and follow on instagram @mattwessley
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I hope to hear from you soon.
-Matt
feel free to send any questions or inquiries to matt@guitarcram.com and follow on instagram @mattwessley
P.S. If you have found this site useful in any way, please share it on your social media. This is a great way to support the site