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GMC Forum _ THEORY _ Modes 101

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jul 4 2007, 09:50 PM

Modes - Introduction


Introduction

Modes are a subject that come up a lot on the forums, and in various lessons. The first question most people ask is "What is a mode?" followed by, "What are they good for?" We'll take a look at both questions in some detail in this multi part lesson. In this series of lessons lesson we'll take a look at modes at a high level before diving into detail on each mode (there are 7 of them!)

A Little Bit of History

You can skip this section if you want, but I thought it might be interesting to give you a little bit of history around modes.

Modes were first referred to by the Greeks. Each mode was named after groups of people such as the Ionians, Dorians and Aeolians, or places around Greece such as Locris, Lydia and Phrygia. Greek philosophers believed that not only was the music characteristic of the people or region, but in fact, the very nature of the music affected peoples outlook in those regions. They ascribed emotions such as Sadness to particular modes such as the Mixolydian. The Greek modes and the modes we use today are not comparable. Over thousands of years musical theory and translation errors have shifted meanings such that even comparably named modes are now completely different.

Modes were used a lot in church music in the middle ages, although they were by then already very different from the modes the Greeks used. In particular, the Church modes developed along with Gregorian chants, which use 8 different modes. The modes used in this way work well to give the chants an ethereal quality to our ears as they are different from the major and minor scales we are so used to. In church modes as well, the actual root scale notes in use were restricted, unlike in modern usage.

So What Are they?

I'll put you out of your misery now - a mode is a variation of a scale. As we have learned, each scale be it major, or minor, is characterised by a particular pattern of tones and semi-tones. For instance, our old friend the major scale is built from the formula 2 2 1 2 2 2 1, which describes the gaps between each of the 8 notes (if you are unfamiliar with this formula, check out my Major Scale lesson here before you go any further). A mode of a scale is simply a variation of that scale in which the pattern of Tones and Semitones in its formula is changed. For instance, we might construct a scale like this : 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 (this actually gives us the Dorian Mode of which more later). There are specific rules used to generate the modes of a scale which we'll look at later, but the description above is the essence of what modes are.

What Use Are they?

Just as we use the major and minor scales to create different effects within a song, we can also use modes to change the entire feel of a song. Some modes are very slightly different to scales we are already familiar with, others are quite strange sounding, but all can be used to great effect to alter the underlying way a song sounds, just by using notes from a particular mode to compose your melody from. A song composed using the Dorian, or Phrygian modes will sound very different. Each mode has a characteristic feel and lends a different character to the song.

Now, the good news is that you have definitely used a couple of modes already, and there is a very good chance that you have used a couple of others without really thinking about it. That's the thing about musical theory - a good percentage of it is devoted to describing stuff that you actually do already smile.gif

What are they really?

In this lesson we are going to describe modes as variations of the Major and Minor scales, and understand that the minor scale is itself a mode of a major scale and can be described as a variation of it. Using this approach, we can group Modes into two main families and think about them in a more practical and accessible way than in the purely theoretical approach presented in the next lesson.

As we know, all scales can be described by a formula - for instance 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 for the major scale. To get the modes of a scale we simply alter the formula in a predefined way to generate a different sounding scale, whilst keeping the root notes the same. Each mode has its own distinctive sound and feel, because of the different selection of notes.

In order to understand this approach you will need to be familiar with how the major scale is put together(http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=5040), and also with how we name intervals, described http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=3285.

There are seven modes of the major scale, and they are called:Since we are talking about the Major modes in this lesson, we will first focus on the Major scale which is the foundation of the family of scales that we are talking about. Since you all know the Major scale by now, this one is easy, and is in fact our first mode, and is called the 'Ionian' mode (they are the same thing).

Ionian Mode

What we are going to do for each mode is look at how it varies from the Major scale it is derived from. In interval terms, the Major scale or Ionan mode is:

Root
Major 2nd
Major 3rd
Perfect 4th
Perfect 5th
Major 6th
Major 7th
Octave

Or more simply:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

The formula for a Major scale as you should know is 2 2 1 2 2 2 1

For each mode we will give an example scale in the key of C. So for Ionian, the scale of C Major, or C Ionian is:

C D E F G A B C

Aeolian Mode

The Aeolian mode is also known as the Natural minor scale and has the following intervals:

1, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7

As you can see, there are 3 notes different between the major and minor scale - the b3, b6 and b7.

Formula for the Aeolian Mode is 2 1 2 2 1 2 2

Our C Minor or Aeolian scale is:

C D Eb F G Ab Bb C

The Families

Now we have 2 modes, Ionian and Aeolian. Otherwise known as the Major and Minor scales. The defining feature of Major vs Minor scales is the 3rd note of the scale. The other notes are important but not as important as the 3rd. This means that we can characterize the rest of the modes as being Major or minor in character, based on whether they have a regular 3rd or a flat 3rd. This is extremely useful - moving from a Major or Minor mode to a mode in the same family is not such a big leap in musical terms and can add interest to a composition.

Now we are in a position to look at the rest of the modes, and we will describe them in terms of how they vary from either the minor or the Major scale using those scales as a basis.

The Majors

Lets take a look at the Major family first.

Lydian

The Lydian mode is a Major scale with a sharpened 4th. In interval terms it is:

1 2 3 #4 5 6 7

Formula for the Lydian mode is 2 2 2 1 2 2 1

Our C Lydian scale is:

C D E F# G A B C

Mixolydian

The Mixolydian mode is a Major scale with a flattened or dominant 7th. In interval terms it is:

1 2 3 4 5 6 b7

Formula for the Mixolydian Mode is 2 2 1 2 2 1 2

Our C Mixolydian scale is:

C D E F G A Bb C

The Minors

Next, lets look at the minor family.

Dorian


Dorian mode is a minor scale with a major 6th instead of a minor 6th. In interval terms it is:

1, 2, b3, 4, 5, 6, b7

Formula for the Dorian Mode is 2 1 2 2 2 1 2

Our C Dorian scale is:

C D Eb F G A Bb C

Phrygian


Phrygian mode is a minor scale with a flattened 2nd. In interval terms it is:

1, b2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7

Formula for the Phrygian Mode is 1 2 2 2 1 2 2

Our C Phrygian scale is:

C Db Eb F G Ab Bb C

Locrian

Finally we have Locrian. Although the Locrian has a minor 3rd, it also has a flattened 5th, which makes it a diminished scale. So although we will put it in with the minors, it isn't a perfect fit. It is a Minor scale with a flat 2nd and a flat 5th. In interval terms it is:

1, b2, b3, 4, b5, b6, b7

Formula for the Locrian Mode is 1 2 2 1 2 2 2

Our C Locrian scale is:

C Db Eb F Gb Ab Bb C

Mode Comparison

Now that we have listed all of the modes and seen how we can get to them from a closely related Major or Minor scale, it should become obvious how they compare. To make the point clearer, lets look at our example scale all the modes together in one place:



The reason I have laid all the scales out in this way is to illustrate how the modes compare. As you can see, they all Have the same root notes, but differ in the intervening notes. It is a source of confusion to many people how the modes are actually different, and this is usually down to the fact that when learning modes in the first place they were introduced to relative modes before they fully understood what modes are. Relative modes do in fact share the same notes, but this is a realization that is best left until after modes are fully understood. As you can see in the table above, there is no mistaking the fact that modes that share the same root notes are very different scales.

It is a feature of the way that modes are constructed that if you start your scale a note higher, and at the same time shift along one in the list of modes, you will end up with an identical list of notes. For instance, C Major has the same notes as D Dorian. However, C Major and C Dorian are very different as can be seen. Comparison of modes to understand their musical properties and flavour should always be done with identical root notes to avoid confusion. The concept of relative modes whilst extremely important is very often misunderstood and should be put to one side until you fully understand modes.

Oh, and just for fun, since this came up on the forum one time., the Spanish names for the modes are as follows:

In spanish the name of the modes are:

Modos:
1 Jonico (mayor)
2 Dorico
3 Frigio
4 Lidio
5 Mixolidio
6 EĆ³lico (menor)
7 Locrio

In the http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?act=ST&f=25&t=3456&st=0#entry26515 we will look into the theory of this a little more deeply.

I hope you found this introduction to modes useful, comments on the forum as usual!

Posted by: muris Jul 4 2007, 10:52 PM

Yeah,we DID have great conversation last night!!:)

Great job Andrew,hope this lesson is going to solve mystery after all!

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jul 4 2007, 11:08 PM

QUOTE (muris @ Jul 4 2007, 05:52 PM) *
Yeah,we DID have great conversation last night!!:)

Great job Andrew,hope this lesson is going to solve mystery after all!


Yes, for those wondering, Muris was the inspiration for this lesson - thanks Muris!

Posted by: radarlove1984 Jul 5 2007, 12:43 AM

I haven't been posting that much lately, but I've been reading up on your theory lessons constantly. I'm dealing with tendinitis, so this is the perfect time to force myself to learn even more theory.

Great job, overall, on all the lessons you've been putting out. They REALLY help.

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jul 5 2007, 12:50 AM

QUOTE (radarlove1984 @ Jul 4 2007, 07:43 PM) *
I haven't been posting that much lately, but I've been reading up on your theory lessons constantly. I'm dealing with tendinitis, so this is the perfect time to force myself to learn even more theory.

Great job, overall, on all the lessons you've been putting out. They REALLY help.


Thanks ! Glad to hear you are still out there learning theory - hope the tendonitis improves soon!

Posted by: kjutte Jul 18 2007, 06:13 PM

Say a song goes in Emajor, can I play E dorian then, or do I have to stick to the major modes like E lydian and E mixolydian?

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jul 18 2007, 06:20 PM

QUOTE (kjutte @ Jul 18 2007, 01:13 PM) *
Say a song goes in Emajor, can I play E dorian then, or do I have to stick to the major modes like E lydian and E mixolydian?


E major and E dorian would have different characteristic chords (e.g. E vs Em would be the tomic), so swapping from E major to E dorian is pretty much a key change.

If you picked another Major mode such as Lydian you would likely get away with it because the only note that would clash would be the 4th which isn't too important for chord constructiuon.

Posted by: kjutte Jul 18 2007, 06:30 PM

QUOTE (Andrew Cockburn @ Jul 18 2007, 07:20 PM) *
E major and E dorian would have different characteristic chords (e.g. E vs Em would be the tomic), so swapping from E major to E dorian is pretty much a key change.

If you picked another Major mode such as Lydian you would likely get away with it because the only note that would clash would be the 4th which isn't too important for chord constructiuon.


How do I know what modes will work with what I am playing to? when I hear a song, I just find the Aeolian mode of it, and play relative modes from there. I want to start using real modes, but that also means I have to know which chords are being played, correct?

Anyway, how do I know, from hearing a jamming track, what modes will work with it?

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jul 18 2007, 06:43 PM

QUOTE (kjutte @ Jul 18 2007, 01:30 PM) *
How do I know what modes will work with what I am playing to? when I hear a song, I just find the Aeolian mode of it, and play relative modes from there. I want to start using real modes, but that also means I have to know which chords are being played, correct?

Anyway, how do I know, from hearing a jamming track, what modes will work with it?


First you need to identify the chords, which will give you the scale if there are enough of them. Once ou have the base scale you can then figure out which modes will work with it by looking at the notes you have in the chords and considering if any of the notes in the mode you want to play will conflict.

E.g. a song has chords C, F G.

Notes in those chords are:

C E G
F A C
G B D

Giving you:

C D E F G A B

Looks like a major scale to me smile.gif

Straight away that opens up all of the relative modes :

D dorian
E Phrygian
F Lydain
G Mixolydian
A Aeolian
B Locrian

But what else could you do?

An obvious one is Mixolydian over the C and F (but not over the G as the b and Bb would conflict).

You could use Lydian ofver the C and the G but not the F (F and F# would conflict).

So, one way to approach this is to figure out which modes fir the notes in your chords.

Posted by: kjutte Jul 18 2007, 06:51 PM

QUOTE (Andrew Cockburn @ Jul 18 2007, 07:43 PM) *
First you need to identify the chords, which will give you the scale if there are enough of them. Once ou have the base scale you can then figure out which modes will work with it by looking at the notes you have in the chords and considering if any of the notes in the mode you want to play will conflict.

E.g. a song has chords C, F G.

Notes in those chords are:

C E G
F A C
G B D

Giving you:

C D E F G A B

Looks like a major scale to me smile.gif

Straight away that opens up all of the relative modes :

D dorian
E Phrygian
F Lydain
G Mixolydian
A Aeolian
B Locrian

But what else could you do?

An obvious one is Mixolydian over the C and F (but not over the G as the b and Bb would conflict).

You could use Lydian ofver the C and the G but not the F (F and F# would conflict).

So, one way to approach this is to figure out which modes fir the notes in your chords.


Aren't the relative modes always available? I mean, it's the same scale, isn't it?

I want to know how to use real modes, to get the characteristic sounds.

And can you please explain further how "An obvious one is Mixolydian over the C and F (but not over the G as the b and Bb would conflict).

You could use Lydian ofver the C and the G but not the F (F and F# would conflict).

So, one way to approach this is to figure out which modes fir the notes in your chords." is obvious? I didn't get that at all!

Thanks in advance! smile.gif

Posted by: muris Jul 18 2007, 06:56 PM

You must follow chord progression to get a proper real mode.
Andrew gave you a great explanation above.
And playing relative modes will not give you a "mode" sound.
You'll still play same scale,with different starting points,but still in same scale.

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jul 18 2007, 07:03 PM

QUOTE (kjutte @ Jul 18 2007, 01:51 PM) *
Aren't the relative modes always available? I mean, it's the same scale, isn't it?

I want to know how to use real modes, to get the characteristic sounds.

And can you please explain further how "An obvious one is Mixolydian over the C and F (but not over the G as the b and Bb would conflict).

You could use Lydian ofver the C and the G but not the F (F and F# would conflict).

So, one way to approach this is to figure out which modes fir the notes in your chords." is obvious? I didn't get that at all!

Thanks in advance! smile.gif


Ok, well a lot of this revolves around chord consrtuction - and how you match chords to a scale - there is a lesson on that http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=3630.

Once you are confidant with that, and the formulae for modes you will see that each mode has characteristic chords that are distinct from the major and minor scales with the same root note.

For instance:

C Major - C, Dm7, Em7, Fmaj7, G, Am, Bdim
C Dorian - Cm7, Dm7, Ebmaj7, F, Gm, Adim, Bb

The chords to a large degree control what scale you would use. So to play something that is truly Dorian, not only do you need to use the Dorian scale but you also need to use the characteristuc Dorian chords - for C dorian you could use for instance Cm7, F and Gm.

Edit: Muris, just saw your post above mine - as we both agree, the chord progression is very important here smile.gif

Posted by: kjutte Jul 18 2007, 09:14 PM

QUOTE (Andrew Cockburn @ Jul 18 2007, 08:03 PM) *
Ok, well a lot of this revolves around chord consrtuction - and how you match chords to a scale - there is a lesson on that http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=3630.

Once you are confidant with that, and the formulae for modes you will see that each mode has characteristic chords that are distinct from the major and minor scales with the same root note.

For instance:

C Major - C, Dm7, Em7, Fmaj7, G, Am, Bdim
C Dorian - Cm7, Dm7, Ebmaj7, F, Gm, Adim, Bb

The chords to a large degree control what scale you would use. So to play something that is truly Dorian, not only do you need to use the Dorian scale but you also need to use the characteristuc Dorian chords - for C dorian you could use for instance Cm7, F and Gm.

Edit: Muris, just saw your post above mine - as we both agree, the chord progression is very important here smile.gif



Hmm, ok. So the reason I can jam decently in minor\major to pretty much everything is because very many chords revolve around minor\major?

And a quick question: do I have to have a chord vocabulary to be able to use modes correctly? I barely know what the basic chords are. I never play chords.

Edit: Ok, I read the chord lesson. This basically means I have to change mode all the time, when the chords change, correct? so if I want to play E phrygian through a whole song, I need chords that have... some/all/which - of E phrygian's notes?

Posted by: muris Jul 18 2007, 09:33 PM

Yes,you got it.
But you don't need to change scale every time when chord is changed.
If chords are E minor,C major and D major ,you can play E minor scale all the time cause all three chords are inside of it.

Posted by: kjutte Jul 18 2007, 09:41 PM

Yes, but say I want to switch between harmonic minor mode 5, phrygian and maybe some major\minor, then I'd have to get one chord for each yes? since they are all unique..?


And a question for you, muris: the "improvisation" video on your myspace, what style etc is used there? it is very cool!

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jul 18 2007, 10:03 PM

QUOTE (kjutte @ Jul 18 2007, 04:41 PM) *
Yes, but say I want to switch between harmonic minor mode 5, phrygian and maybe some major\minor, then I'd have to get one chord for each yes? since they are all unique..?
And a question for you, muris: the "improvisation" video on your myspace, what style etc is used there? it is very cool!


Not necessarily - the main thing is that you don't have any (or too many) conflicting notes.

E.g. the chord of A minor works with A Aeolian, A Harmonic Minor, A Dorian, A Phrygian, A melodic minor, A Pemtatonic Minor, A Blues ..... simply because A minor only has 3 notes none of which conflict with those scales.

Now, of there are conflicts, yes you should probably change the chord, however in my experience you more often work the other way around - get a chord progression and then fit a scale or sclaes to it. You would likely say "C Ab - nice chord sequence, what scales fit that" than "A bar of locrian, a bar of melodic minor a bar of phrygian - what chords fit with that?".

If you want to write a piece using multiple sclaes, treat each scale as a sedtion, and pick chords to suit because you are in effect modulating (changing key) when you switch between the scales, unlerss you switch back very quickly.

Posted by: kjutte Jul 18 2007, 10:35 PM

A Aeolian, A Harmonic Minor, A Dorian, A Phrygian, A melodic minor, A Pemtatonic Minor, A Blues


same in Em?

and how do I know if I am playing a relative minor or a relative major when I am jamming? :S

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jul 18 2007, 10:54 PM

QUOTE (kjutte @ Jul 18 2007, 05:35 PM) *
A Aeolian, A Harmonic Minor, A Dorian, A Phrygian, A melodic minor, A Pemtatonic Minor, A Blues
same in Em?

and how do I know if I am playing a relative minor or a relative major when I am jamming? :S


Sure - that was just an example, and works for any key, the point is how I worked it out (by analysing the notes in the chord vs the notes in the scale) not the actual scales - I just piked a few at random.

Ok, lets ignore the term 'relative' for now, it can be confusing, lets just talk about major and minor.

You can tell the difference because they have different formulae and different characteristic chords. Cmajor and C minor are very different for instance - even though they share a root note. The chord that we keep returning to will be C in the first place, C minor in the second. ANd with experience you should be able to spot the difference between a major and minor scale.

To tell the differnce between C an Am is harder (A is the relative minor of C and they share the same notes), well that is a different key and the Tonic in each case again would be different (the tonic is the home chord, or chord that you keep returning to). In the case of the key of C its C major, and inthe case of the key of A minor, its Am.

There is also a lesson on this http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=3160.

Posted by: kjutte Jul 18 2007, 11:01 PM

QUOTE (Andrew Cockburn @ Jul 18 2007, 11:54 PM) *
Sure - that was just an example, and works for any key, the point is how I worked it out (by analysing the notes in the chord vs the notes in the scale) not the actual scales - I just piked a few at random.

Ok, lets ignore the term 'relative' for now, it can be confusing, lets just talk about major and minor.

You can tell the difference because they have different formulae and different characteristic chords. Cmajor and C minor are very different for instance - even though they share a root note. The chord that we keep returning to will be C in the first place, C minor in the second. ANd with experience you should be able to spot the difference between a major and minor scale.

To tell the differnce between C an Am is harder (A is the relative minor of C and they share the same notes), well that is a different key and the Tonic in each case again would be different (the tonic is the home chord, or chord that you keep returning to). In the case of the key of C its C major, and inthe case of the key of A minor, its Am.

There is also a lesson on this http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=3160.


I mean, when I jam, I just play the aeolian box all over the neck, until I find the sweet spot. but still, that can be a relative minor of the major scale, OR it can really be the root minor scale. should I just listen for minor/major characteristic sounds in the song?

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jul 19 2007, 12:05 AM

QUOTE (kjutte @ Jul 18 2007, 06:01 PM) *
I mean, when I jam, I just play the aeolian box all over the neck, until I find the sweet spot. but still, that can be a relative minor of the major scale, OR it can really be the root minor scale. should I just listen for minor/major characteristic sounds in the song?


Yes, you should be able to spot major vs minor by listening to the song, and the chord progression.

Posted by: kjutte Jul 19 2007, 12:08 AM

Thanks Andrew, you rock bigtime!

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jul 19 2007, 12:17 AM

QUOTE (kjutte @ Jul 18 2007, 07:08 PM) *
Thanks Andrew, you rock bigtime!

No problem, glad I could help, looking forward to any more questions you might have smile.gif

Posted by: dimeisgod Jul 22 2007, 03:47 PM

andrew i have a question about playing the modes, specificly the mixolidian mode.

lets say i have a B7 chord playing. the myxolidian mode works for that chord so i play th b scale with a flat seventh. when i play that i am actually playing the E major scale or at least its notes, five sharp notes become 4 (because of the flate seventh). right? so...:
when i memorized the major shape (the 7 different boxes) i in the same time memorized the myxolidian shape? and every other mode as a matter a fact? and only the chords in the background determine wich scale im improvizing in, while im playing the same notes for a couple different scales at the time?



thanks this subject bothered me some time now...

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jul 22 2007, 04:22 PM

QUOTE (dimeisgod @ Jul 22 2007, 10:47 AM) *
andrew i have a question about playing the modes, specificly the mixolidian mode.

lets say i have a B7 chord playing. the myxolidian mode works for that chord so i play th b scale with a flat seventh. when i play that i am actually playing the E major scale or at least its notes, five sharp notes become 4 (because of the flate seventh). right? so...:
when i memorized the major shape (the 7 different boxes) i in the same time memorized the myxolidian shape? and every other mode as a matter a fact? and only the chords in the background determine wich scale im improvizing in, while im playing the same notes for a couple different scales at the time?

thanks this subject bothered me some time now...


Yes, you are pretty much on the money here ...

We would say that B is the relative Mixolydian of E. That means:

1. B Mixo shares the same notes as E Major
2. SInce the notes are the same, the patterns will be identical

But, of critical improtance is the following - the root notes are different - sound obvious but it is the key to all of this.

If you played E major and E mixolydian they would not share the same notes because they have a common root note. However, since you shofted to B mixo, they will share the same notes, and yes you can reuse all the patterns.

When practicing scales, even relative modes like this, it is good practice to always start on the root notes. This is because amongst other things you are training your ears to the sound of the scale. When playing E major start on E and end on E. When practicing B mixo sclales, even though you are reusing the pattern, start on B and end on B. Of course when using the scales for a song you can use any notes you want, but your mind's eye needs to be awaer that the root note is B for the mixo, otherwise your perception will not be correct and you might get confused between the 2.

In fact, I prefer to introduce modes as altered scales, since all of the stuff about shared patterns ends up really confusing people until they understand the basic concepts of what a mode is - hence I wrote this lesson, which is probably the best introduction of the 2 lessons I have written. I'll probably flip them around at some stage.

Posted by: Ben N Oct 11 2007, 02:29 AM

thank's andrew it realy halp smile.gif

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Oct 11 2007, 03:17 AM

Glad you liked it Ben smile.gif

Posted by: Twibeard Jan 3 2008, 08:20 AM

QUOTE (Andrew Cockburn @ Jul 22 2007, 04:22 PM) *
When practicing scales, even relative modes like this, it is good practice to always start on the root notes. This is because amongst other things you are training your ears to the sound of the scale. When playing E major start on E and end on E. When practicing B mixo sclales, even though you are reusing the pattern, start on B and end on B. Of course when using the scales for a song you can use any notes you want, but your mind's eye needs to be awaer that the root note is B for the mixo, otherwise your perception will not be correct and you might get confused between the 2.

In fact, I prefer to introduce modes as altered scales, since all of the stuff about shared patterns ends up really confusing people until they understand the basic concepts of what a mode is - hence I wrote this lesson, which is probably the best introduction of the 2 lessons I have written. I'll probably flip them around at some stage.

I just saw the light Andrew. A big thank you Sir! biggrin.gif

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jan 3 2008, 01:32 PM

QUOTE (Twibeard @ Jan 3 2008, 02:20 AM) *
I just saw the light Andrew. A big thank you Sir! biggrin.gif


You are very welcome smile.gif

Posted by: JWBauer Jan 10 2008, 10:32 PM

Great lesson. All that mode stufff had my head spinning but you made it simple and easy to understand. Thanks! biggrin.gif

Posted by: FretDancer69 Feb 12 2008, 05:07 AM

i was a little dissapointed the first time I found that that modes only varied in one note. I was expecting something like huge, idk lol tongue.gif. But still, that altered note affects the entire scale i suppose.

Excellent lesson andrew, im tackling the next one after re-reading each Mode formula smile.gif

Posted by: eddiecat Feb 27 2008, 05:53 PM

Hello Andrew, fantastic lesson!
Just to tell you that I think you forgot to flatten the 6th
in the Phrygian formula (intervals).
Cheers, and happy birthday!

Posted by: FretDancer69 Feb 27 2008, 11:52 PM

Hey Andrew, i was re-reading this again and i spotted some interesting stuff that id like someone to clear up for me smile.gif:

1st:

QUOTE
Dorian mode is a minor scale with a major 6th instead of a minor 6th. In interval terms it is:


minor 6th... since we're talking about the changes in each degree of the scale for each mode (in this case the 6th), shouldnt we say a "flattened 6th"? isnt "minor 6th" an interval? i thought that intervals were 2 notes, the distance between them, but if we are talking about one note (6th), shouldnt we say flattened instead of minor... just for conventional purposes maybe...? im not sure really, i want to know what Andrew says... tongue.gif


QUOTE
Phrygian mode is a minor scale with a flattened 2nd. In interval terms it is:

1, b2, b3, 4, 5, 6, b7


If the Phrygian mode is a Minor Mode, shouldnt the 6th be flatted as well? Making the Phrygian mode have 4 flatted notes: 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th ?


QUOTE
Finally we have Locrian. Although the Locrian has a minor 3rd,


Again, same as in the Dorian example. Also, i assume that by this you mean the 2nd, since the 3rd already belongs to the natural minor scale.


Just curious about these stuff. Thanks smile.gif

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Feb 29 2008, 03:16 AM

QUOTE (eddiecat @ Feb 27 2008, 11:53 AM) *
Hello Andrew, fantastic lesson!
Just to tell you that I think you forgot to flatten the 6th
in the Phrygian formula (intervals).
Cheers, and happy birthday!


Well spotted Eddie, I fixed it - thanks!

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Feb 29 2008, 03:20 AM

QUOTE (FretDancer69 @ Feb 27 2008, 05:52 PM) *
Hey Andrew, i was re-reading this again and i spotted some interesting stuff that id like someone to clear up for me smile.gif :

1st:



minor 6th... since we're talking about the changes in each degree of the scale for each mode (in this case the 6th), shouldnt we say a "flattened 6th"? isnt "minor 6th" an interval? i thought that intervals were 2 notes, the distance between them, but if we are talking about one note (6th), shouldnt we say flattened instead of minor... just for conventional purposes maybe...? im not sure really, i want to know what Andrew says... tongue.gif


Well I use the terms interchangeably - minor 6th, flat, 6th, its the same thing realy. You tend to use minor 6th for scales and flat 6th for chords but they all mean the same thing.

QUOTE (FretDancer69 @ Feb 27 2008, 05:52 PM) *
If the Phrygian mode is a Minor Mode, shouldnt the 6th be flatted as well? Making the Phrygian mode have 4 flatted notes: 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th ?


Yes, as Eddie spotted abovem this is a mistake and Phrygian has a b6 in it.

QUOTE (FretDancer69 @ Feb 27 2008, 05:52 PM) *
Again, same as in the Dorian example. Also, i assume that by this you mean the 2nd, since the 3rd already belongs to the natural minor scale.

Just curious about these stuff. Thanks smile.gif



Not sure what you mean about this one - the point I was making was that although Locrian does have a minor 3rd in it, it is not truly minor because it has that diminished 5th interval in it. It does also have a minor 2nd, but that isn't really important when it comes to major vs minor.

Posted by: buttmonk Mar 23 2008, 01:18 PM

Thx Andrew! I am away from my guitar at the moment and just discovered ur theory section, bloody usefull!

So rgds all the different scales and modes, is there a common consensus on what "feeling(s)" each 1 is good for emoting or what types of music they are good for (of course I am sure there are certainly no hard and fast rules here)? It would be interesting to see a list of scales/modes mapped to feeling/music type. It just occurred to me that this would be good when chosing which ones you want to concentrate on learning, and there would appear to be something of this in the origin of the modes as u said...

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Mar 23 2008, 03:29 PM

Interesting question! I discussed this with various instructors once and was surprised to find that there was some agreement on the modes - I thought it would be very subjective. these are the ones I remember - lets see if others agree!

Major - Happy
Dorian - ?
Phrygian - ?
Lydian - Mystical
Mixolydian - Triumphant
Aeolian - Sad
Locrian - Foreboding

Posted by: buttmonk Mar 24 2008, 08:53 AM

QUOTE (Andrew Cockburn @ Mar 23 2008, 04:29 PM) *
Locrian - Foreboding


That's the 1 i will be learning next then...but damn, I see this is 1 u haven't had time to put up any content for yet... oh well, just have to wait...smile.gif

Lets see if anyone is able to fill in the gaps for Dorian and Phrygian. I guess the Blues scale is pretty obvious...smile.gif

Thanks Andrew.

Posted by: FrankW May 18 2008, 12:34 AM

Thanks for the modes lesson, well laid out. I've got to go get my reading glasses, and dig in...EXIST PROSPEROUSLY AND ENDURINGLY!

Posted by: Silver Stratocaster May 7 2009, 04:25 AM

I'm a new member, and struggle with different modes. This lesson was pure genius. You made it simple, gave a great example for each mode, and even gave a background to the story of modes that I understand. I can't thank you enough.

Posted by: GGTopGuitarist Sep 7 2009, 03:48 PM

Just spent a few minutes reading it and found it very useful biggrin.gif thanks

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Nov 18 2009, 10:12 PM

Cool - glad you like d it!

Posted by: triangle Nov 11 2011, 07:17 PM

Hello Andrew !
Could you tell me how to mix a tone with a mode ?
I take an example : your song is in C major which modes can I use in solo ?
Hoping my question isn't too silly ! huh.gif
Thank's by advance, and good continuation smile.gif

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 12 2011, 10:29 PM

QUOTE (triangle @ Nov 11 2011, 06:17 PM) *
Hello Andrew !
Could you tell me how to mix a tone with a mode ?
I take an example : your song is in C major which modes can I use in solo ?
Hoping my question isn't too silly ! huh.gif
Thank's by advance, and good continuation smile.gif


Hey man smile.gif You can solo in C Ionian if you wish so smile.gif C Ionian would be C major actually (C D E F G A B C). Now depending on how the chord progression is built you would have some other options as well.

For instance, if you have the C major chord played for some bars in your progression, you can emphasize the C Lydian mode over the C chord by playing the F# note but taking care to move back to the Ionian mode notes when the chord changes smile.gif This could be an idea! Hope it helps!

Posted by: triangle Nov 13 2011, 01:00 AM

QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Nov 12 2011, 10:29 PM) *
Hey man smile.gif You can solo in C Ionian if you wish so smile.gif C Ionian would be C major actually (C D E F G A B C). Now depending on how the chord progression is built you would have some other options as well.

For instance, if you have the C major chord played for some bars in your progression, you can emphasize the C Lydian mode over the C chord by playing the F# note but taking care to move back to the Ionian mode notes when the chord changes smile.gif This could be an idea! Hope it helps!

Thanks for your reply Cosmin, in fact I'd like too understand how it works, I mean when by instance you're playing in C Major, what all the modes (in solo), you can use, and how it works ! ohmy.gif

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Nov 13 2011, 10:33 AM

Hello triangle,

You would like to know more about modes theory in general, but there is little of modal use here. Here's why:


If a song is in C major key, you have a specific note range: [ C - D - E = F - G - A - B = C ]. You use this note range for your solos. However, when playing something, it's not important what mode you use, because mode (scale) is just a note range, similar as I'm writing this sentence and I'm using alphabet as a letter range for construction of the sentences. In the same fashion, you as musician should use a given note range, pick notes from it and make a melody by following the chords in the background.

This doesn't mean modes aren't important, you should learn them by hearth because later on you will make use of modal playing, similar to what Cosmin described. This shouldn't be important for you at the moment, as you could focus on using this note range in practice. I have couple of lessons on given topics that should be interesting to you, check them out:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/lessonseries/modes-workshop/ - 3 lessons on modes, use backing tracks and go up & down to get yourself familiar with specific sound of each mode, choose alternate picking, economy picking or legato
http://www.google.rs/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=improvising%20workshop%20series&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.guitarmasterclass.net%2Fls%2FImprovising-Workshop-1%2F&ei=s46_TuWBAo_E4gTs0dWdBA&usg=AFQjCNHuaFydgDnVzKJMkwkedggWzXwyuw&cad=rja - Lesson series designed to help you understand what to do with the notes you have at your disposal. Go through the lessons and use C major key in order to find out how to use it properly.


Posted by: triangle Nov 13 2011, 03:19 PM

QUOTE (Ivan Milenkovic @ Nov 13 2011, 10:33 AM) *
Hello triangle,

You would like to know more about modes theory in general, but there is little of modal use here. Here's why:


If a song is in C major key, you have a specific note range: [ C - D - E = F - G - A - B = C ]. You use this note range for your solos. However, when playing something, it's not important what mode you use, because mode (scale) is just a note range, similar as I'm writing this sentence and I'm using alphabet as a letter range for construction of the sentences. In the same fashion, you as musician should use a given note range, pick notes from it and make a melody by following the chords in the background.

This doesn't mean modes aren't important, you should learn them by hearth because later on you will make use of modal playing, similar to what Cosmin described. This shouldn't be important for you at the moment, as you could focus on using this note range in practice. I have couple of lessons on given topics that should be interesting to you, check them out:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/lessonseries/modes-workshop/ - 3 lessons on modes, use backing tracks and go up & down to get yourself familiar with specific sound of each mode, choose alternate picking, economy picking or legato
http://www.google.rs/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=improvising%20workshop%20series&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.guitarmasterclass.net%2Fls%2FImprovising-Workshop-1%2F&ei=s46_TuWBAo_E4gTs0dWdBA&usg=AFQjCNHuaFydgDnVzKJMkwkedggWzXwyuw&cad=rja - Lesson series designed to help you understand what to do with the notes you have at your disposal. Go through the lessons and use C major key in order to find out how to use it properly.

Ok, thanks to you Ivan smile.gif

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Nov 13 2011, 08:10 PM

No prob mate smile.gif

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