How can I master modes effectively in order to sharpen improvisational
skills? At the moment it's hit and miss based on ear and feel. A more
knowledgeable grip on modes might increase confidence in performing.
A good way to start with modes is to match them to the Pentatonic scales.
The Major Pentatonic Scale (R- 2 - 3 - 5 - 6) matches the Lydian, Ionian and
Mixolydian modes, and the Minor Pentatonic Scale (R-b3- 4 - 5 - b7) matches
the Dorian, Aeolian and Phrygian scale.
The Pentatonic notes form a very strong frame which helps you focus your
playing around strong tones. Filling in the blanks, so to speak, with the
modal notes adds the flavor and color of those modes to your playing, and
helps your ear adapt to the different sounds.
What is a good way to figure out how to combine scales when
improvising?
I always recommend using the Chord Tones as the frame for any harmonic
improvising. The techniques that use scales are Passing Tones between 2
different Chord Tones by Scale Step, and Scale Approaches from Above to
Chord Tone.
If you are trying to play more modally, breakdown progressions with
ascending and descending sequences. Create these using Chord Scales,
which are a combination of Chord Tones and Tensions collapsed into an
octave.
Can you give me some ideas on how to know which tone to use as a focal
point when making a modal motif?
Modal Motifs can move through scales and keys at any point as long as
you are using Chord Scales that are a combination of Chord Tones and
Tensions for each chord.
This alleviates the problem of “Avoid Notes” which might create non-
harmonic tension, allowing ascending and descending sequences to be
created from any point.