PLAY GUITAR part1

Modal Theory

Understanding how the modes work is often difficult to do because the modes have multiple functions. Complicating the issue further is that the functions of the modes in traditional (classical music) music theory sometimes differs from the functions of the modes in Jazz music theory. As a guitarist (or any instrumentalist) of today who seeks to fully understand and use the modes for composing / songwriting, improvising, soloing, etc., we need to understand all the functions of modes to use them effectively.

Below is a list of all the possible functions the modes can serve:

~ In a major key, each standard mode is an extension of the Major scale.
~ In a Natural Minor key, each standard mode is an extension of the Natural Minor scale.
~ In a Harmonic Minor key, each Harmonic minor mode is an extension of the Harmonic Minor scale.
~ In a Melodic Minor key, each Melodic Minor mode is an extension of the Melodic Minor scale.
~ Any mode can be in its own key.

With all of these various functions the modes can take on, how do you determine which function is in effect at any given time? The answer is: Context. In some contexts a mode may be its own key, in other contexts a mode may simply be an extension of another scale or mode. In the sections below, I¹ll give you example of this, showing you how to determine a mode's current function.

Reference chart 1
Major and Natural minor modes (also known as the standard modes):
Ionian mode = Major scale
Dorian mode = same as the Major scale starting on the 2nd note.
Phrygian mode = same as the Major scale starting on the 3rd note.
Lydian mode = same as the Major scale starting on the 4th note.
Mixolydian mode = same as the Major scale starting on the 5th note.
Aeolian mode = same as the Major scale starting on the 6th note = Natural Minor scale
Locrian mode = same as the Major scale starting on the 7th note.

Using the key of C major as our starting point, the chart below shows all the modal scales derived from the C Ionian scale. Note: The Ionian mode and the Major scale are the same thing and the two terms are often used

interchangeably. Also, the Aeolian mode and the Natural Minor scale are the same thing and the two terms are often used interchangeably. Notice that all the notes in these seven scales are the same. The difference between the modes are distinguished by which note each scale begins.

Reference chart 2
mode: notes of each mode (scale)
C Ionian C D E F G A B C
D Dorian D E F G A B C D
E Phrygian E F G A B C D E
F Lydian F G A B C D E F
G Mixolydian G A B C D E F G
A Aeolian A B C D E F G A
B Locrian B C D E F G A B

Reference chart 3
Harmonic minor modes:
Mode 1 = Harmonic minor scale
Mode 2 = same as the Harmonic minor scale starting on the 2nd note
Mode 3 = same as the Harmonic minor scale starting on the 3rd note
Mode 4 = same as the Harmonic minor scale starting on the 4th note
Mode 5 = same as the Harmonic minor scale starting on the 5th note
Mode 6 = same as the Harmonic minor scale starting on the 6th note
Mode 7 = same as the Harmonic minor scale starting on the 7th note