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Now let's learn what Modes are, and how we can use them!
We're going to use our 3 Note Per String Forms for this - but we can essentially think of Modes like Scales. They're a series of intervals. Meaning, there's plenty of different ways to play them.
Modes are built from Scales, by choosing a note other than the Root Note to become the Tonal Center.
For example, you can play in Dorian Mode by starting from the 2nd note of the Major Scale and working upward from there.
When we alter the Scales in this way, we can find new and strange sounds. We can build an entire song around these Modes, or just use them to temporarily colour our improvising and melody patterns. The possibilities are endless!
Ionian Mode (Equivalent to the Major Scale)
Ionian Mode (Equivalent to the Major Scale)
This mode is equivalent to the Major Scale! It could also be built off of the 3rd Scale Degree of the Minor Scale.
But it's still nice to know what the mode is called.
Of course, if we write out the intervals used, we get:
1-2-3-4-5-6-7.
Dorian Mode
Dorian Mode
This mode is built off the 2nd Scale Degree of the Major Scale, or the 4th of the Minor Scale.
But, another way to think about it is that it's like a Minor Scale with a Major 6th.
This mode has a bit of a jazz or blues/rock feel. It sees a lot of use in improvisation!
The Intervals used are: 1-2-b3-4-5-6-b7.
Phrygian Mode
Phrygian Mode
This mode is built off the 3rd Scale Degree of the Major Scale, or the 5th of the Minor Scale.
It can also be thought of as a Minor Scale with a Minor 2nd.
That's what this Mode is really all about - this allows you to use that tense, aggressive sound the Minor 2nd gives you.
It also has a somewhat exotic, unusual feel to it.
The Intervals used are: 1-b2-b3-4-5-b6-b7.
Lydian Mode
Lydian Mode
This mode is built off the 4th Scale Degree of the Major Scale, or the 6th of the Minor Scale.
It can also be thought of as a Major Scale with a Sharp 4th. That's the same thing as a Tritone, of course.
I've heard this Mode described as uplifting, or ethereal. It might be hard to hear playing it alone, but used over the right chords, it can produce a soaring solo.
The Intervals used are: 1-2-3-#4-5-6-7.
Mixolydian Mode
Mixolydian Mode
This mode is built off the 5th Scale Degree of the Major Scale, or the 7th of the Minor Scale.
It can also be thought of as a Major Scale with a flat 7th.
This sees a lot of use being played over Dominant 7th chords, but it can also be used in a blues context played off of the Root!
Try it for yourself with the 12 Bar Blues.
The Intervals used are: 1-2-3-4-5-6-b7.
Aeolian Mode (Equivalent to the Minor Scale)
Aeolian Mode (Equivalent to the Minor Scale)
This mode is built off of the 6th Scale Degree of the Major Scale. But really, we know it as the Minor Scale!
The intervals used are: 1-2-b3-4-5-b6-b7.
Locrian Mode
Locrian Mode
This mode is built off the 7th Scale Degree of the Major Scale, or the 2nd of the Minor Scale.
To be honest, this mode is too unstable to build a song around. It's almost unheard of.
This Mode is typically used in passing, and is considered to be a Diminished Mode.
The intervals used are: 1-b2-b3-4-b5-b6-b7.
Spend some time playing with each of these Modes, and see how the feeling of the Scale changes with each.
A couple questions might arise as you experiment with these:
Can we build Diatonic Chords with these Modes?
Yes! But remember, since they share the same notes as the Major Scale, they will also have the same Diatonic Chords, simply in a different order.
Can we find Modes in other scales, like the Harmonic Minor?
You bet we can. But that's a topic for a later lesson.
As you start to grasp this concept of Modes, I hope you will find your creative possibilities expand!
Each mode is like a different mood that we can evoke, without straying outside the notes of the Major and Minor Scales.
Do your best to remember the names as well. They will come up plenty of times on your musical journey.
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