In today's lesson, we are going to look at how to master improvising with the Locrian mode. This will help add depth and character to your lead guitar playing.
#1: The major scale
The major scale is the Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do in music. It is the tree trunk that all chords and scales branch off of. With this being said, there are only 7 tone degrees to the major scale.
G A B C D E F# = 7 notes.
As you can see, there are 7 notes to the G major scale, or in the key of G major. The reason for the F being F# is so that it sounds proper. If you go through these notes, you will understand what I mean. They give the sound of the Do Re Mi.
#2: What are modes?
Modes are scales that are built off of each one of the 7 tones of the major scale. The 7 modes are 1: Ionian, 2: Dorian, 3: Phrygian, 4: Lydian, 5: Mixolydian, 6: Aeolian, 7: Locrian. By learning these 7 modes, you can create an artist's palette of colors on your guitar.
#3: The Locrian mode
As you can see, the Locrian mode is the 7th mode. If we give the major scale a number value, it would be,
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. The modes alter this note formula. Just like chords, to get something different from the major chord, we must alter the notes to get different chords. This is the same concept.
The locrian mode has a different number value. This is because it will start on the 7th tone degree, the F# note. So, in the key of G major, this will be the F# Locrian mode, and the note value will be,
1, b2, b3, 4, b5, b6, b7.
Major scale note formula: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Locrian mode note formula: 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7
Can you see that if you change the notes, you change the scale? By flattening all these notes in the major scale, it changes it to a different shade of color. Just like chords. This is the benefit of learning the modes. Each one has a different character and can add variety to your compositions.
Watch the video lesson below
#4: 7th note becomes the root
With the Locrian mode, the 7th note (F#) becomes the root. In doing so, we create a darker mood. The reason for this is because of all the notes we flattened. Since the mode has all these flattened notes in it, it has a dark, moody, ominous sound to it. So, being that this is the case, you can use it to create these kinds of emotions in your guitar playing.
#5: The diminished mode
The reason why the Locrian mode is considered a diminished mode is because of the flat 3rd and flat 5th notes that are in it. If you take a major triad (a 3-note chord made up of the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes) and you flatten the 3rd and 5th notes, you get a diminished triad. The same thing goes here,
Major triad = 1 3 5
Diminshed triad = 1 b3 b5
Major scale = 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Locrian mode = 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7
As you can see, even though a few more notes are flattened in the Locrian mode, it still has the flat 3rd and flat 5th notes in it. Thus, making it a diminished mode. This is important to know with both chords and scales. Any chord with a flat 3rd and 5th note will be diminished. The same goes for a scale.
#6: Master the pattern
Watch the video lesson and master the pattern. Once you master the pattern, it's just a matter of moving it up and down the fretboard to play it in different keys. As I have said many times in my lessons, think patterns! Everything on the guitar fretboard can be broken down into patterns. If you can visualize patterns, it will make it a lot easier to learn.
#7: Just take it step-by-step
There are many secrets to the modes. They can lead you down a road you never thought existed, and expand your guitar playing ten times over. And if you'd like to learn more about the modes, I recommend you check out the book I authored and published, Guitar Modes: Unlock The Secrets.
Guitar Modes: Unlock The Secrets
When I first started, there was no internet or YouTube. So I learned from method books. These were very useful because I could study and practice when it worked for my schedule. They also taught me what I needed to know in a specific order, so there were no gaps in my learning. This was because the lessons were taught step-by-step and allowed for a better learning experience.
This is why I decided to author my own. Because I know it works. I know that studying a method book like the one above will help you understand the modes and unlock the secrets. But like I mentioned in the video, it comes down to daily practice and commitment. If you feel that you are, then grab the book and start unlocking the secrets. I guarantee you, if you do as instructed, you're playing will reach a whole new level.
Private instruction is also available
If more help is needed with improvising solos, or anything else that you ar currently working on, I also offer private guitar instructor. Lessons that cater to your interests and skill level. No matter if you're trying to figure out how to play a hot rockin' solo, or if you're having issues playing rhythm. I can help.
And, if you happen to purchase Guitar Modes: Unlock The Secrets, and have any questions about any of the lessons, you can reach out, and I will be happy to help you at no additional charge. No matter if you learn from the book, or from me privately, I can help you. Contact me at my website, and we can get online or meet in person.
Thanks for your time, and keep practicing.
Until our next guitar lesson, take care.
Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins.
