Modes – The basics

by John Davison

www.pontefractguitarlessons.co.uk

Most students have problems getting to grips with modes. Don't worry though! I think I've created the perfect chapter on modes for you here.

Pre-requisites
Before even attempting this chapter it's essential to have a good grasp of the following.

• Major Scale
• Major Key Signatures
• Basic Lead playing

The Major Scale

This scale is the basis for the modes we are going to look at. In fact, the Major scale in itself is a mode. If we take the C Major scale the notes are as follows:

C D E F G A B C

All we do to make different modes is start on another note within the major scale. We play through the notes in the same order, but just start and finish on a different note. As an example, the second mode of the C Major scale would be the following series of notes.

D E F G A B C D

Here we are starting on D (the second note of the C major scale) and playing through the same series of notes.

Mode Names

Sticking with the C Major scale for simplicity, let's look at the modes that it contains.

C Ionian (Major Scale)
D Dorian
E Phrygian
F Lydian
G Mixolydian
A Aeolian
B Locrian

To see if you have grasped the concept of modes, write in the notes at the side of the modes above. Now look at the section on Invoking modes and how we can apply them to guitar solos.