Looking from afar, you may see guitar modes as being difficult and confusing.
That’s because you don’t have an understanding of the basics.
You are looking at guitar modes and scales from the narrow view that the theory offers.
The fact is that guitar modes and scales aren’t as hard as most people think.
Using modes on a guitar could come easily once you have a grasp of what it takes.
Let’s start by looking at understanding what scale modes are.
They are not new, as it dates far back to 1675; neither is it peculiar only to guitars; other melodic instruments also employ scale modes.
You should also know that a scale and a mode are not the same. Yes, they are not, even though you are used to seeing them being used interchangeably.
The underlying difference is that a mode is an inversion of a scale.
What this implies is that every mode is a scale, but not every scale can be a mode.
If guitar modes and scale are this confusing and complicated, what’s the benefit derivable from learning them?
As a guitarist, you are not complete until you master the art and craft of using scales and modes.
For every mode you learn and understand, you have at your disposal a unique sound you can always replicate.
It’s all about enriching and adding color to your sounds.
There is a relationship between scales and chords, and you can only get to understand the workings with a good knowledge of guitar scales and modes.
Benefits of Learning Guitar Modes and Scales
- Good Grasp of Chords
You’ll discover that scales are the foundation of chords.
For instance, to create a C major chord, you have to select C major scale, and selecting the first note, then skipping the next, and selecting the next, in that format.
That’s how to create chord from scales
- Improvement in Your Music Writing Skills
With an understanding of the basics of scales, you are better equipped for writing music as you have a better knowledge of the rules.
You know what sounds and does not sound good together.
- Better Soloing
Knowing your scales and how they work will help you become better with soloing.
Moreso, scales will help you understand the solos you listen to, helping you replicate them.
You should know that a good solo is made up of not just creativity, but more importantly, the basics behind guitar scales.
- Make a Better Guitarist Out of You
By learning scales, you are working towards improving your finger agility.
Through running your fingers through scale, your finger muscles will grow stronger and improve your speed.
Understanding the Major Scale For Guitarists
1. Ionian
Ignore the odd name, the Ionian mode is just a plain scale with no alteration.
For instance, in the key of C, the Ionian mode should be; C, D, E, F, G, A, and B.
There’s not much about the Ionian mode.
This is because it’s quite popular in the music circle.
Simply put, the Ionian scale is a happy and joyous sounding mode, quite popular with most familiar melodies.
2. Dorian
The Dorian mode starts and ends on the second note of the major scale.
Let’s use the C key as an example; D, E, F, G, A, B, and C.
It’s that simple, that’s how every other mode work.
There’s a difference between D major mode and D major scale. Dorian mode is slightly exotic in its sound.
That’s why it’s used in blues and jazz improvisation.
3. Phyrigian
The Phrygian mode has the following notes; E, F, G, A, B, C, and D.
When it’s the E major scale, the notes look like this; E, F#, G#, A, B, C# and D#.
You can see the altered note of the Phyrigian mode. In the Phyrigian mode, there’s the flatted second, third, sixth, and seventh.
In the Phyrigian mode, there’s a minor mode that is often associated with the Spanish style guitar.
4. Lydian
By this time, you should have realized what the notes in this Lydian mode should be.
Let’s still go over them regardless; F, G, A, B, C, D, and E. In this F major scale, you’ll find the flatted fourth.
You’ll see it goes nicely over a chord. In the Lydian mode, you’ll find a raised fourth.
That’s why it’s often used in movie soundtracks. There’s this hero going on a journey type of sound.
If you know Joe Satriani’s Flying in a Dream, that’s the perfect example of the Lydian mode.
5. Mixolydian
G, A, B, C, D, E, and F are the notes in the Mixolydian mode. The Mixolydian mode has a flatted seventh to it.
In this mode, there’s no dark, incomplete, or sad sound accompanying it.
It’s actually not a minor scale, but it’s not a major scale either.
That’s why you are likely to hear it in blues, jazz, and funk music.
Truly, the Mixolydian mode is a dominant scale, playing well over a dominant scale.
6. Aeolian
This is known as the natural minor scale. If you have the A Key, the notes would be A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.
As the A major scale, there’s a flatted third, sixth, and seventh.
You can interchange the major and minor scales, that’s only if you understand how relatives work in the minor or major.
You cannot be surprised by the sounds as it’s popular in pop music.
7. Locrian
This is the oddest mode of the major scale, that’s why it may not have practical usage.
You’ll find B, C, D, E, F, G, and A. You’ll find a flatted second, third, fifth, sixth, and seventh.
There are links to diminished chords and there are classical compositions linked to this mode.