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Guitar
Modes
An Introduction For Beginners
This series will take you through each of the 7 modes for guitar.
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 the
modes work together on guitar.
First,
an important introduction to modes on guitar, 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.
So, the first key point is this
- modes can work as individual scales and they can work together as a
larger musical expression. This will become clear over time.
Now,
individually, each of the 7 modes have their own flavours. What do I
mean by flavours? The type of sound, feel, atmosphere, character,
attitude you get from 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 is known for its flamenco, Spanish flavour because of
the unusual position of one note in its scale. Another is known for its
ethereal, spacey quality. The 7 modes are on the menu and it's up to
you which flavours you pick for your music!
Again, in time you will learn which mode flavours and tensions compliment certain chords and chord changes.
Why 7 modes? Why not 5, 12, 1273784?7 is the magic number when it comes to diatonics. This is the number of notes in the elementary/natural major scale (which you should know about
if you've not skipped ahead prematurely to this lesson!). Each of those
notes represents the root note of a new mode (also numbered 1-7). So
the major scale, which incidentally is also the first mode, is our
foundation scale.
Each of the 7 modes contain exactly the same
notes - the same 7 notes from the major scale... it's only when you
separate them, mix the notes around and emphasise the modes
individually, in context, that their unique flavours can truly be
"tasted".
So, now we know what modes basically are and how they
can be used, now let's get acquainted with each individual mode and
focus on their unique qualities to start with...
1. Ionian (for major chords)
2. Dorian (for minor chords)
3. Phrygian (for minor chords)
4. Lydian (for major chords)
5. Mixolydian (for major chords)
6. Aeolian (for minor chords)
7. Locrian (for half diminished/m7b5 chords)
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