Microsoft Word - manual Blues Masters Ebook.doc

Modal overview

The major scale is a seven-note scale. For each of the seven individual notes of the major

scale there is a corresponding mode associated with it. There are seven notes in the major
scale, so there are seven modes of the major scale.

Utilizing the modes gives the guitarist the ability to generate an interval structure that is

different than that of the major scale and therefore produces a unique sound quality. Each

mode has its own unique sound or “mood”. This is due to the different interval structure of each
mode. Some modes are more major sounding and some more minor sounding.

Besides knowing the Major Scale (Ionian Mode), you will want to learn at least the Aeolian

Mode, Dorian Mode, and Mixolydian mode. These three modes are used most often in blues

and rock music and we will focus on those three in the coming lessons.

KEY POINTS: Modal playing incorporates playing a major scale but starting

on and emphasizing a note other than the root.

Anytime you play a major scale and start on and emphasize

a note other than the root, you are playing in the modes.

Think of the modes as variations of the major scale. Illustrated below is the order for the

seven modes. This sequence of the modes is ALWAYS the same. No matter what key you are

in the modes always follow the order listed below. Dorian is always the second mode of the
major scale, Phrygian is always the third mode of the major scale, etc.

1

st

mode - Ionian (same as the Major scale)

2

nd

mode – Dorian (same as Aeolian but with a raised 6

th

)

3

rd

mode - Phrygian (same as Aeolian but with a b2nd)

4

th

mode – Lydian (same as Ionian but with a #4

th

)

5

th

mode – Mixolydian (same as Ionian but with a b7th)

6

th

mode – Aeolian (same as Natural Minor or Pure Minor scale)

7

th

mode – Locrian (dissonant, same as Phrygian with a b5th)

KEY POINT: Remember that there are seven modes of the major scale and

they are ALWAYS in the same sequence as listed above.