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Guitar Modes

These scales are built according to certain rules that govern how they are built.

See the section on Intervals for backgroung information, previously discussed.

We will start with modes of the C Maj scale for simplicity.

The C in the Maj scale ic the I note and uses a scale called the Ionian modes which is commonly called the major scale.

Below is the sequence of whole and half step intervals of that scale.

Ionian W W h W W W h C D E F G A B

Dorian W h W W W h W C D Eb F G A Bb

Phrygian h W W W h W W C Db Eb F G Ab Bb

Lydian W W W h W W h C D E F# G A B

Mixolydian W W h W W h W C D E F G A Bb

Aeolian W h W W h W W C D Eb F G Ab Bb

Locrian h W W h W W W C Db Eb F Gb Ab Bb

This is the list of modes built on the C maj scale, we'll use it for simplicity.

You can build these modes on all the other 20 key signatures, including enharmonic spellings, and it can get complex.

So well start with C and if you need to transpose to other keys it won't be impossible. We just need to use the circle of 5ths to transpose keys.

The two main modes are the Ionian or major and the Aeolian the Natural Minor scale.

Just these two modes will add a sense of versatility many people are not aware of and few master. You can get as technical as you desire or keep it simple.

My goal is to get you at least the understanding of these terms and concepts.

When you do learn them you get a sense of predictability in scale/chordscale construction and and selection while playing music.

Guitar Modes