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Guitar
Modes
An Introduction For Beginners
This series will introduce you to the concept of modes on guitar, starting
with the modes of the major scale.
We'll start by looking at the characteristics of each mode individually
and I'll provide backing tracks written specifically for each mode so
you can explore their unique sounds. After that, we'll discover how
modes work together
on guitar.
First,
an important introduction to modes, because this is not
something we can just rush into (as you'll soon realise).
Remember - modal theory doesn't just exist on guitar, this intro is as
much music theory as it is guitar theory!
What are modes, and how
are they different to scales?
Modes
are exactly like scales (a sequence of notes separated by intervals)
and you can play them as individual scales, but modes are "special" as
they work within the larger context of a chord scale. Think
of modes as a sequence of scales that can work together as part of a
larger musical framework.
Did
that make sense? Don't worry, you will naturally begin to see what
modes are and how they work, together and individually as scales, as
you progress through this series.
Now,
individually, each mode has its own flavour. What do I
mean by flavour? The type of sound, feel, atmosphere, character,
attitude you get when playing one of the modes. Each mode has its own
tension notes that highlight particular chord tones and chord movements.
Example:
one of the modes of the major scale is known for its flamenco, Spanish
flavour because of
the position of a particular note in its scale. Another is known for
its
ethereal quality.
Again, in time you will learn which mode flavours and tensions
compliment certain chords and chord changes.
So,
now we know what modes basically are and how they
can be used, let's now start with one of the most commonly known modal
systems (but by no means the only...) which is the 7 modes of the major scale.
Modes
of the major scale
First, make sure you're familiar with the major
scale.
The major scale has 7
tones, and each tone represents a degree of that scale - 1st (root), 2nd,
3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th.
Now, in modal theory, each degree of the major scale marks the "start"
of a new mode, with the same corresponding number.
For example, the 3rd
degree of the major scale also marks the root note
of the 3rd mode
of that scale (see below for the numbered modes).
Play the major scale from
its 3rd tone, and you will be playing the sequence of
tones that make up the 3rd
mode of the major scale.
However, it is only when that sequence of tones is played in context,
over a sequence of chords
from that same major scale key, that its modal colour shows. So let's
start by getting to know each mode of the major scale individually.
Take your time...
1. Ionian
2. Dorian
3. Phrygian
4. Lydian
5. Mixolydian
6. Aeolian
7. Locrian
+ Big Picture
+ Modal
Chord Progressions
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