Applying the Modes of the Major scale 73 -
STEP 2: Once determined which mode to use, CONVERT back
to the parent major scale.
From the previous page we have determined to utilize A Dorian. Dorian is the 2nd mode of any
major scale. So ask yourself, what major scale’s 2
nd
note is an “A”? The answer is G major.
The G major scale’s 2
nd
note is an “A”. So over this progression play all your G major scales
but start on and emphasize the “A” notes and you have A Dorian. A Dorian = G Major.
Scale degrees 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
G major scale G A B C D E F# G A
2
nd
mode – A Dorian A B C D E F# G A
STEP #3: Shift to and EMPHASIZE the root of the mode.
As per above we want to solo with A Dorian over all the chords in the Am7-D example
progression. We determined A Dorian from the ANALYZING and CONVERTING steps listed
above. EMPHASIZE all the A notes while playing G major scales and you have A Dorian.
Don’t think in terms of G major - rather think more in terms of A Dorian by emphasizing the A
notes.
Visualize in G major and play those major scale patterns, but emphasize the A notes. Start on
the A notes and go from there. This is critical, because if you start on or emphasize the G
notes you will be playing in G major, not A Dorian. Then it will sound major sounding and we
don’t want that, as we are in minor key and want that Dorian minor key tonality.
Remember that each mode has its own mood. You want to exploit that and use the proper
mode with the proper emphasis notes. In this example we want that dark, bluesy, rock, minor
vibe. So emphasizing the A notes making it A Dorian will give us just that. Modal playing is
really all about emphasis.
KEY POINT: Modal playing is really all about emphasis.
Overall this is a very systematic and methodical approach to analyzing chords to determine
soloing options. Over time your ear will take you to the right notes and this whole process will
be more organic. However, at the start there is value in systematically analyzing chords and
progressions and honing your skills to a sharp edge till you become proficient at these devices.
KEY PRACTICE: These three steps are absolutely critical to your success playing in the
modes - and you must be proficient at each step. This will take a good amount of practice. At
first try playing a mode over the whole progression or what relates to all the chords. Eventually
you will want to treat each chord as a separate event and play a different mode over each
chord. Take your time, don’t overwhelm yourself and practice utilizing the jam tracks.