In this lesson, we will unlock the mystery of the guitar modes within the major scale. You’ll discover how many there are and how you can use them to enhance your guitar playing.
These are an excellent tool for playing guitar. They can be used in multiple ways. For playing not only lead guitar, but also for playing rhythm. Modes can be used for chords and rhythm, as well as for melody.
#1: What are the modes?
The modes are scale patterns based on all 7 notes within the major scale. There are 7 notes to the major scale, which means there are 7 modes. These allow you to create a roadmap along the fretboard for fretboard mastery.
#2: The C major scale: C D E F G A B C
If we give these notes a numerical value, you can see there are 8 notes. With the 1 & 8 being the same. So technically, there are only 7 notes. C through B.
These modes are Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian. There are 7 of these, one for each note in the major scale. Each one starts on the tone degree of the key. For instance, if we had the key of G major, each mode would start on one of the 7 notes.
#3: G major: G A B C D E F#
The Ionian mode would start on the G note, Dorian on the A note, etc, etc, etc. So when you see something that reads A Dorian, that means the Dorian mode in the key of G major. Make sense? Each mode also provides certain tonal characteristics.
#4: Why learn to use them?
Learning about the modes and how to use them will help you to increase your understanding of many great things. The main thing it will do is help you to master the fretboard. I can't begin to tell you how many guitar players I've met who don't have this down.
It will help you to learn and understand:
Notes within the major scale
Chords that can be created within them
Guitar licks that can be created for solos
Ear training by learning note intervals
How to build finger strength and dexterity
Learning & writing songs is easier
And much, much more.
Can you see how these can be beneficial to your guitar playing? If you can unlock the mystery of the modes, you can not only improve your guitar playing but also improve your overall musicianship. That is, if you practice them daily.
#5: Watch the video lesson below
#6: Are the modes the same as a scale?
Yes and no. What I mean is that they are scales because they are a select series of notes. Just like a scale. But what separates the modes from scales is that they’re are only 7 of them.
When it comes to scales, there are many of them. But modes are specifically 7 scales that come from the notes within the major scale. Can you see all the things you can learn when you unlock the mystery of the guitar modes?
#7: Dive deeper to unlock the mysteries
If you’d like to dive deeper into ways to unlock the mystery of the guitar modes, you can do that with the book I authored and self-published.
HowTo Play Guitar Modes.
How To Play Guitar Modes is for beginners and intermediate students. It will allow you to unlock the secrets of guitar modes. It will show you all that has been stated above, along with much, much more.
Break down the 7 modes that come from the major scale into very simple, easy-to-understand step-by-step lessons. This allows for quicker study of the techniques and principles associated with guitar modes.
So if you are ready, dive in and unlock the mysteries of the modes, and it will open you up to a whole new world of musical education you never knew existed. But to get the most out of it, you will need to work with them daily. There are 7 modes, and 7 days of the week. One mode per day ought to do it.
#8: Private instruction is also available
If you need additional help, I also offer private guitar instruction. These are a great option because you get quicker results, a better understanding, and it makes learning to play the guitar a lot more fun. If you feel this might work for you, contact me at my website, and we'll set up a time to discuss details.
Thank you for reading and supporting my blog.
Until next time, best of luck, and take care.
Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins.
