Meet the Modes!

6stringbostic
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Tue Sep 07, 2010 12:21 am

Another way to look at modes is by interval structure. This is a more accurate way of understanding Diatonic Major and Relative Minor Modes but can also be a clear way to label modes from more exotic scales like the Melodic Minor. I have many students working on Shred and Numetal where the Melodic Minor Modes & Chords are used in the compositions.

Here is the thinking.

1. The modes will fall into either a Major or Minor category.

2. In C Major or A Minor as a example the Major Modes would be: C Ionian or C Major,
F Lydian, and G Mixolydian.

3. The interval part. Ok, so using C Major for the Major Scale Interval Structure you could think F Lydian is a Major Scale with a (Raised 4th)...cause it is, lol.

4. Ok then, G Mixolydian is a Major Scale with a (Flat 7th) scale degree.

Minor Mode Category:

Ok, I separated this to show the Minor Modes

1. A Natural Minor is the Relative Minor to C Major.

2. D Dorian is a minor scale with a (Raised 6th).
3. E Phrygian is a minor scale with a (Flat 2nd).
4. B Locrian is a minor scale with a (Flat 2nd & Flat 5th)...cool! 2 alterations in this mode.

So many guitarist get tripped up with this Scale/Mode confusion and it can paralyze your improvisation.


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