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Understanding and learning of Guitar Scales and Modes is always a confusing question for the beginners. Even the experts some time get frustrated and confused.
We have solved your problem regarding easy learning of Guitar Scales and Modes quickly. In this post, you will fully understand the
- Mode Structure
- Functioning
- Easy Memorizing Scales and Modes
The newbies should understand about what the modes for guitar actually are?
Page Contents
How to Learn Guitar Scales and Modes?
There are different mix positions of scales or Guitar patterns that are particular keys.
Let’s learn the most important facts about the Guitar modes.
1. What are the Modes for Guitar?
Previously, there were no Tonalities or different keys on the Guitar. Hence, the only method to produce finest melodies was to use the different mode(s) of the Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti-Do scale.
In this formation, it was starting from the different notes. With the passage of time, the use of Major and Minor Chords were introduced and is being in practice these days.
It is the top reason of learning both the major and minor modes for guitar learning completely.
2. The Easiest way to understand Modes
It is clear that the Guitar Modes are derivative of all the major scales. In the following illustration, C major scale is being used for your easy understanding including
- Ionian-CDEFGABC = 1st mode (Major scale)
- Dorian-DEFGABCD = 2nd mode: (Starts from the 2nd note)
- Phrygian-EFGABCDE = 3rd mode: (Starts from the 3rd note)
- Lydian -GABCDEF = 4th mode: (Starts from the 4th note)
- Mixolydian -ABCDEFG = 5th mode: (Starts from 5th note)
- Aeolian -BCDEFGA = 6th mode: (Starts from 6th note, Minor Scale)
- Locrian-BCDEFGAB = 7th mode: (Starts from 7th note)
When you observe the first mode i.e. major scale, you will notice the co-relation between notes as following
Ionian W-W-H-W-W-W-H (W=whole step/two frets, and H=half step/one fret) the second mode W-H-W-W-H-W-W is different from the first.
It is in fact the minor scale with a minor difference. Normally, it is raised half step VI note with the following illustration (W=whole step/two frets, and H=half step/one fret)
- Ionian W-W-H-W-W-W-H
- Dorian W-H-W-W-W-H-W
- Phrygian H-W-W-W-H-W-W
- Lydian W-W-W-H-W-W-H
- Mixolydian W-W-H-W-W-H-W
- Aeolian W-H-W-W-H-W-W
- Locrian H-W-W-H-W-W-W
Easiest Way to Memorize Guitar Scales and Modes?
There are different techniques to learn and understand the Guitar Scales and Modes. I personally recommend to understand the functions instead of learning them by heart.
Here is the easiest method to memorize modes simply comparing them with the major and minor scale:
MAJOR (or modes similar to major scale):
- Ionian = major scale
- Lydian = major scale with IV#
- Mixolydian = major scale with VIIb
MINOR (or modes similar to minor scale):
- Dorian = minor scale with VI#
- Phrygian = minor scale with IIb
- Aeolian = natural minor scale
In this post, the Locrian is a minor scale with the combinations of IIb and Vb, however, in reality, it isn’t used because it is a theoretical construction.
3. Harmonic sense of modes (chords).
Each chord of Guitar has its own separate characteristics and have an affect on harmonic sounds. Eventually, following combinations of the Scales and Modes are derived as under:
| Chord | Scale | Instead of | Diminish |
|---|---|---|---|
| IV in Lydian | Major II of Major Keys | Usual minor | IV Chord |
| bVII in Mixolydian | Minor V chord | Major | III Chord |
| VI in Dorian | Major IV | Minor | VI Chord |
| bII in Phrygian | Major chord as II chord | Minor Key |
Better Understanding of Guitar Scales and Modes
Lydian mode/key
Try to play Lydian mode/key progression as C, D, C
Improvise
Use the C major scale with F# in replacement of the F note.modes for guitar.
Mixolydian mode/key
You can try playing this chord progression as C, Gm, C
Improvise
Use the C major scale with Bb as an alternative of B.modes for guitar mixolydian
Dorian mode/key
Play chord progression Am, D, Am, D
Improvise
Use the Am scale with F# as an alternative of F.modes for guitar dorian
Phrygian mode/key
Play the chord progression Am, Bb, Am, Bb
Improvise
Use of Am scale with Bb in replacement of the B.modes
Moreover, you can learn how to use modes of your guitar, take a look here.
Final Words
If you want to learn deeply about Guitar from Beginner to advance Level, you must have a passion and a Guitar. Start watching videos and practice a lot because it is a key to success.
Piano Lovers can check out our blog 10 Best Electric Piano and Keyboard Reviews
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