Introduction: What Are Guitar Modes and Why Learn Them?
Modes are an essential technique for any guitarist looking to expand their musical vocabulary and expressiveness. In simple terms, modes are variations of the major scale, created by starting the scale on different notes. This shifts the intervals and creates new scales with unique sounds, emotions, and characters.
Learning modes opens up new possibilities for soloing, songwriting, and improvisation on the guitar. Modes provide guitarists with more options for evoking certain moods and feelings with their playing. Each mode has its own distinct sound that can be used in specific situations. Understanding how to apply modes allows guitarists to add color, spice up solos, and create more interesting melodies and riffs.
While modes may seem complex at first, any guitarist can learn how to use them with some dedicated practice. The seven major modes – Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian – all stem from the major scale. By shifting the tonic note and changing the intervals, guitarists can access these new sounds. With the right guidance, modes can be demystified and incorporated seamlessly into your playing.
This guide will teach you the theory, scale shapes, and application of modes on the guitar in a beginner-friendly way. With the powerful melodic tools that modes provide, you’ll be ready to take your guitar playing to exciting new heights. Let’s get started!
The Basics of Guitar Modes
The major scale serves as the "parent scale" that all the modes are derived from. On the guitar, the major scale pattern is very common and familiar. It follows the interval structure of W-W-H-W-W-W-H, where "W" stands for a whole step and "H" stands for a half step.
For example, the C major scale contains the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, B, and C. Each mode simply starts on a different note of the major scale and plays the scale pattern from there. So the D Dorian mode starts on D and plays a major scale pattern from D to D.
Understanding how modes relate to the major scale helps guitarists visualize and memorize the patterns across the fretboard. It also reveals how modes get their unique sounds based on the intervals in their scale. The different root notes and interval structures make each mode’s emotion and tonality distinct.
Ionian Mode (the Major Scale)
The Ionian mode is the first mode of the major scale, also known as the major scale itself. The Ionian mode has the following interval structure:
Whole Step – Whole Step – Half Step – Whole Step – Whole Step – Whole Step – Half Step
This interval structure gives the Ionian mode its bright, happy, and uplifting sound.
On the guitar, the Ionian mode in the key of C would follow this pattern:
C D E F G A B C
Here are some common scale shapes and patterns for the Ionian mode on guitar:
Open position:
e|-8-10-9----7-8-10-9-8-|
B|-10-12-11---9-10-12-11-10-|
G|-11-13-12---10-11-13-12-11-|
D|-12-14-13---11-12-14-13-12-|
A|-13-15-14---12-13-15-14-13-|
E|-15-17-16---14-15-17-16-15-| Up the neck:
e|---12-15-13-12---|
B|---13-17-15-13---|
G|---14-18-16-14---|
D|---15-19-17-15---|Down the neck:
e|---8-10-9-7---|
B|---10-12-11-9---|
G|---11-13-12-10---|
D|---12-14-13-11---|Tips for memorizing the Ionian mode:
- Start with the major scale shape you already know
- Emphasize the 1-3-5 major triad tones
- Focus on the intervals between notes – whole and half steps
- Use familiar songs in major keys to internalize the sound
The Ionian mode has a bright, happy sound and works well over major chord progressions. It’s one of the most commonly used modes in Western music. Mastering this mode gives you a great foundation for exploring other modes.
Dorian Mode
The Dorian mode has a minor feel but with a major 6th note, giving it a unique sound. It is derived from the second degree of the major scale, creating the interval structure 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7.
On guitar, the Dorian mode in A would consist of the notes A B C D E F G. Here are some scale patterns and tips for memorizing and playing the Dorian mode:
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The Dorian mode uses the same notes as the natural minor scale, except for the raised 6th. Keep this in mind when visualizing the patterns.
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A common Dorian pattern starts in the E shape minor pentatonic box and adds two notes – the major 6th and the 2nd:
e|–5–7–8–
B|–5–7–8–
G|–4–5–7–
D|–5–7–9–
A|–7–8–10-
E|–8–10-12- -
You can also play Dorian in three notes per string patterns. For example in A Dorian:
e|-12-14-15-|
B|-12-14-15-|
G|-10-12-14-|
D|-10-12-14-|
A|–9-10-12-|
E|–7–9-10-| -
Memorize the sound and feeling of the b3 and b7 notes which give Dorian its minor flavor. The major 6th is the distinctive note that separates it from natural minor.
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Use Dorian over minor chords and progressions, especially Im and iim chords. It works very well in jazz and funk styles.
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Songs that use Dorian: "Scarborough Fair", "Oye Como Va", "Eleanor Rigby"
Phrygian Mode
The Phrygian mode is the third mode of the major scale. It has a minor tonality and a unique, dark, and exotic sound.
The Phrygian mode is built off the third note of the major scale. It contains the following intervals:
1 – b2 – b3 – 4 – 5 – b6 – b7
Some key characteristics of the Phrygian mode are:
- Minor tonality and dark sound
- Distinctive flattened 2nd scale degree
- Works well over minor chords
- Used frequently in Spanish, Arabic, and flamenco music
On the guitar, the Phrygian mode scale pattern is:
E |-8-10-9-11-12-10-8-|
B |-8-10-9-11-12-10-8-|
G |-7-9-8-10-11-9-7-|
D |-7-9-8-10-11-9-7-|
A |-5-7-6-8-9-7-5-|
E |-5-7-6-8-9-7-5-|
Some tips for memorizing the Phrygian mode scale shapes:
- Remember the b2 interval that gives Phrygian its distinctive sound
- Associate the exotic Phrygian sound with its common use in Spanish and Middle Eastern music
- Visualize the fretboard patterns with the flattened 2nd degree note
- Practice the scale ascending and descending across the strings
- Focus on the b2 to root movement which defines the mode’s minor tonality
With its dark and exotic flavor, the Phrygian mode can inspire some intense and emotional soloing on the guitar. The b2 scale degree in particular gives strong resolution back to the root, creating a tense and cathartic sound.
Lydian Mode
The Lydian mode is the fourth mode of the major scale, starting on the 4th degree. It has a bright, uplifting sound that is created by the #4 or augmented fourth interval in the scale.
Interval Structure
The interval structure of the Lydian mode is:
1 2 3 #4 5 6 7
So compared to the major scale, it has a raised 4th degree, making it sound distinctively bright and dreamy.
Scale Patterns
Here are two common scale patterns for the Lydian mode on guitar:
E Lydian (use for E major scale)
e|-12-15-17-19-20-22-24-|
B|-12-15-17-19-20-22-24-| A Lydian (use for A major scale)
e|-7--10--12--14--15--17--19--|
B|-7--10--12--14--15--17--19--|Memorization Tips
To help memorize the Lydian mode scale patterns, remember:
- It’s the major scale with a raised 4th degree
- Focus on the interval between the 3rd and 4th degrees being 1.5 steps instead of 1
- Use songs in Lydian like "Mr Blue Sky" to internalize the sound
- Practice the scales ascending and descending across the fretboard
The bright, dreamy sound of Lydian makes it very recognizable once you start practicing it. Have fun with this interesting mode!
Mixolydian Mode
The Mixolydian mode is the fifth mode of the major scale. It has a major quality with a flattened seventh interval, giving it a dominant 7th sound.
The interval structure of the Mixolydian mode is:
1 2 3 4 5 6 b7
On the guitar, the Mixolydian mode scale pattern is:
- E shape: 7-9-10-12-14-15-17
- A shape: 5-7-8-10-12-13-15
Some tips for memorizing the Mixolydian mode scale shapes:
- Visualize the major scale pattern with the 7th note flattened
- Emphasize the b7 interval when practicing the scale
- Use familiar song examples like "Norwegian Wood" by the Beatles
- Practice mixing the E and A shapes together across the fretboard
The b7 creates tension that wants to resolve back to the tonic, giving Mixolydian a dominant sound. This makes it perfect for playing over dominant 7th chords. It has a bright and upbeat tone, great for funk, rock, blues, and jazz fusion styles.
Aeolian Mode
The Aeolian mode is the sixth mode of the major scale and is also known as the natural minor scale. It has a dark and melancholic sound that is commonly used in rock, metal, blues, and jazz.
Interval Structure
The Aeolian mode contains the following intervals when ascending:
1 – Root
2 – Minor 2nd
♭3 – Minor 3rd
4 – Perfect 4th
5 – Perfect 5th
♭6 – Minor 6th
♭7 – Minor 7th
8 – Root
The ♭3, ♭6, and ♭7 intervals give the Aeolian mode its distinctive minor sound compared to the major scale.
Scale Patterns
Here are two common scale patterns for the Aeolian mode:
E string:
e|--0--3--5--7--8--10--12--
B|--0--3--5--7--8--10--13--
G|--0--2--3--5--7--8--10--
D|--0--2--3--5--7--8--10--
A|--0--2--3--5--7--8--10--
E|--0--2--3--5--7--8--10--A string:
e|--5--8--10--12--15--17--19--
B|--5--8--10--12--15--17--20--
G|--3--5--7--10--12--15--17--
D|--3--5--7--10--12--15--17--
A|--0--3--5--8--10--12--15--
E|--0--3--5--8--10--12--15--Memorize these patterns across the fretboard to have command of the Aeolian mode in any key.
Memorization Tips
Here are some tips for memorizing the Aeolian mode shapes:
- Visualize the 1/2 step between the 2nd and ♭3rd notes
- Associate the ♭3, ♭6, ♭7 with the minor sound
- Practice the scale ascending and descending across multiple octaves
- Highlight the half step between ♭7 and 8
- Use familiar song examples like "Sweet Child O’ Mine" or "Paranoid"
- Contrast against the major scale shape for reference
- Focus on clean articulation when playing the scale slowly
- Say note names out loud when practicing the scale
With consistent practice across all fretboard positions and in multiple keys, the Aeolian mode patterns will become ingrained in your muscle memory. Have patience and keep at it!
Locrian Mode
The Locrian mode has a very dissonant and tense sound that creates a feeling of instability. This is because the Locrian mode contains a tritone interval between the root and fourth scale degree.
Interval Structure
The Locrian mode contains the following intervals compared to the major scale:
- 1st – minor 2nd
- 2nd – minor 3rd
- 3rd – perfect 4th
- 4th – diminished 5th (tritone)
- 5th – minor 6th
- 6th – minor 7th
- 7th – minor 7th
The diminished 5th interval between the root and 4th gives Locrian its tense and unstable quality.
Scale Patterns
The Locrian mode scale patterns on guitar are:
E string: 1 2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7
A string: 1 2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7
Here are the scale diagrams for playing the Locrian mode across the guitar neck:
[Locrian mode scale diagrams]
And here is an example of the Locrian mode scale in the key of B Locrian:
E|-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-|
B|-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-|
G|-7-8-10-11-12-13-15-|
D|-7-8-10-11-12-13-15-|
A|-7-8-10-11-12-13-15-|
E|-7-8-10-11-12-13-15-|
Memorization Tips
To help memorize and internalize the Locrian mode scale patterns on guitar:
- Focus on the tritone interval between the root and 4th – this defines the Locrian sound
- Practice the scale ascending and descending across the fretboard
- Improvise melodies and licks using only the Locrian mode notes
- Highlight the b5 and b2 intervals when playing the scale
- Use the open B and E strings as drone notes when practicing in B Locrian
With consistent practice, the dissonant Locrian mode shapes will become familiar and you’ll be able to utilize this mode’s unique sound in your guitar playing.
Conclusion
Learning the 7 major guitar modes takes dedication and consistent practice, but the payoff is immense. You’ll gain access to new colors, textures, and emotions to bring into your playing. Modes open up endless possibilities for chord progressions, songwriting, and improvisation.
In this beginner’s guide, we covered the basics of understanding and applying modes on the guitar. Each mode has its own scale shape, unique sound, and distinctive emotional vibe. With the right exercises and backing tracks, you can get comfortable playing modal scales across the entire fretboard.
Remember to have fun exploring all that modes have to offer! There is always more to learn about getting creative with modes in your guitar playing. Keep practicing modal improv, writing modal progressions, and analyzing songs that utilize different modes. Some additional resources for your ongoing modal studies:
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Modal Mastery by Guthrie Trapp – An in-depth book on mastering modal guitar soloing and improv
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Fretboard Logic: The Reasoning Behind the Guitar’s Unique Tuning by Bill Edwards – A great fretboard visualization resource with chapters on modes
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Signals Music Studio and Creative Guitar Studio on YouTube – Helpful video lessons demonstrating modal concepts
The most rewarding way to learn modes is to incorporate them into your playing through real musical application. Keep practicing, listening, analyzing, and applying your knowledge. Modes will enrich your musical vocabulary and take your guitar skills to new heights.