Quadrium - Music Theory Series Part 3 - Modes SI Lesson

Introduction

Hello all. Welcome to the Music Theory Series part 3. In this part we will take a look at the modes. Let’s begin.

Definition

A mode is a way to put the notes of a scale in certain order on the fretboard of the guitar so that you get easy to remember patterns. In fact, what we do is cut the fretboard into little pieces.

There are 7 modes for every scale. The modes repeat themselves at the 12th fret (which is normal since the notes do the same).

Major Scale Modes

- Ionian mode
- Dorian mode
- Phrygian mode
- Lydian mode
- Mixolydian mode
- Aeolian mode
- Locrian mode

Now lets take a look at the first mode of the Major Scale Modes.I am going to give examples from C Major Scale for this lesson.

Ionian Mode

This mode is simply a major scale we know that starts with the root note of a given scale.

Dorian Mode

This mode is the same major scale starting on the second note. Meaning:
Lets write the notes of the C Major scale:

C D E F G A B

As i mentioned, to get dorian mode we have to start the same scale from second note.In that case that is D.Lets write.

D E F G A B C

As you can see the notes are same.So playing a C Major Scale(or C Ionian) or a D Dorian scale will result in same sound.

Phrygian mode

This mode is the same major scale starting from third note.In that case that is E.If we write the C Major Scale starting from E we get:

E F G A B C D

As you can see the result is same.It goes like same way for other modes.

I think you got the general idea about how to construct a mode.From now on i will make a simple explanation with a Picture for the other modes.If you got any questions you can pm me anytime.