Just to keep things simple, start with the "Key" that a given song is in. Say for example, the key of G Major. If a song, or solo section of a song, in in G Major, then it's a safe bet that you can start your solo off using the first position of the G Major Scale. This is just to say that you can use the first position of the G major scale, starting at the low E third fret (G) as the root note. Then, when you move up to say, the third position of the G Major, the scale shape will change, however, you are still playing in G major, even though you are using a different scale shape/mode. So if you shift up, to starting things on the 5th fret (third position of G Major). If you are still playing in G Major, your scale shape/mode will look just like "A DORIAN". See below pic. Even though your playing in G Major. The only difference is that the root notes you are looking for are the G notes and not the A notes. It's all about the relationship to the root/key tone.
A Dorian
G Major
Hope this helps?
Todd
QUOTE (Sinister @ Jan 11 2019, 06:35 PM)
Hi all
Im a little confused about modes. I understand that for each mode in a key the notes are the same but start at a different position. But I dont understand how to tell which mode I am playing in! If the notes are the same for a C Ionian and a D dorian, how do I know which mode a lick is in? I see these lessons on modes and they play them in different positions on the fretboard and thats where I'm a little confused.
Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
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