Guitar Fundamentals: Mastering Modes

1. Introduction: When I was a teenager, I remember being at my weekly guitar lesson and I asked my instructor, how do you know what notes to play over a chord progression? My instructor could have answered me a bunch of different ways, but instead, he just looked back at me and said, that is the big question, isn't it? I look at this moment as important because it's when I decided that I was going to try to get close to an answer for myself. I'm Lancelot Houston and I'm a musician and producer. Since asking that question, I studied guitar in college, played in several bands, and became a music teacher myself. But I came to realize that my instructor was right all along. There is no right answer in this class. I want to help you get started to find that answer for yourself by learning the basics of modes. Modes are a series of scales that have different son of characteristics, but utilize all the same notes. We'll embark on a journey through the world of guitar modes. Unveiling the secrets of these musical flavors. Join me as we demystify modes. Explore their unique characteristics and learn how to incorporate them into your play. So grab your guitar and let's get started. 2. Class Orientation: Today you're going to learn how to play through the modes. By the end of this class, you'll have learned some patterns that will serve as the foundation to your playing. In my project, I'll be demonstrating how to play through these modes and how to put them together to create an exercise that will help you with developing your skills on the guitar. All you'll need is a guitar to get started. Here's what I'll be looking for in your class project. Playing through the mode seamlessly, using a metronome to keep time, and subdividing these patterns with different rhythms. You can submit your project by recording yourself on your phone or another recording device. Next we'll take a look at the basics of modes and the theory behind. 3. Foundation: What are Modes?: Before we get into play modes, let's make sure we build a foundation of understanding by covering some basics of music theory. What are modes? Modes are a series of scales that have different sonic characteristics but utilize the same notes. I've heard modes described in many ways, including scales that start on different degrees of the major scale, or scales within a scale. In order to best understand this concept, let's move over to the keyboard. First, some basics. There are 12 different notes. This is known as the chromatic scale. Here we're looking at all the notes from C to C, going from a low sea to a high sea, this is called an octave. The notes in between consist both of black and white keys. The white keys of the piano are A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. The black keys are the notes in between, or you may know them as sharps or flats. When a note is sharp, the pitch moves up or to the right by one key. The black key to the right of C becomes C sharp. When a note is flat, the pitch moves down or to the left. C sharp could also be looked at as D flat. One way to refer from moving from note to note is in terms of steps. When moving through the chromatic scale, we're moving in half steps. C to C sharp is a half step. Now let's say we moved from C to D. This would be called a whole step. It's also important to note that there are no sharps or flats between the notes E and F, and B, and C. Now I want to look at the C major scale. We can look at how these nodes are grouped in different ways depending on the scale type for major scales. Let's see how it's built in terms of steps. Major scales follow this pattern. Whole, half, whole, whole half starting at. Let's take a whole step to D, another whole step to a half step to a whole step to another whole step to A, a whole step to, and finally, a half step to reach an octave above. Now let's take a look at modes. By learning the major scale, you already have learned the first mode, which is called Ionian. Let's move to the next, which is the Dorian mode. Dorian starts on the second note of the major scale, in the key of C. The Dorian mode starts on D. We could also look at this in terms of steps. Essentially, what's happened is we're taking the first note of the Ionian mode and putting it at the end of the scale to get the dorian mode. The pattern then becomes half. We can follow this pattern for all the remaining modes. If we start on the third note of the major scale, this is the phrygian mode. Phrygian, in the case of C, starts on the step pattern, then becomes half. Let's move on to the fourth mode, which is Lydian. Here, in the case of the key of C, Lydian will start on the, the step pattern becomes half, half. Moving on to the fifth mode, mix Adian. Here we'll be starting on a G with the pattern of hole half. The sixth mode is Eolian. Here at the sixth mode, we've reached the relative minor of C, which is A minor. The Aeolian mode and the minor scale are the same thing, the pattern becomes whole, half pull, and finally, the seventh mode. In the case of the key of C, the Lochan mode will start on B, the pattern then becomes half pull. Now that you have a handle on the theory behind modes, let's go over some basics of navigating the guitar and you'll be one step closer to playing through the modes. 4. Foundation: Guitar Navigation Basics: In order to play through the mode seamlessly, we'll need to go over some basic navigation of the guitar neck. It's important to know the note names of the strings. We'll start with the first string, or the string playing the highest indicated by the small E on the diagram. The second string is the third string is the fourth is D, the fifth is A, and the sixth string, or the lowest string is another E. You'll most likely have fretboard indicators on your guitar as well. In this diagram, you'll see single diamonds on the frets, 357.9 and a double diamond on the 12th fret. The 12th fret is important because it indicates an octave above the open strings. The notes played open are the same notes at the 12th fret. Next let's go over how I'll be referring to your fingers and your fretting hand. Your pointer or index finger is one, the middle finger is two, your ring finger is three, and your pinky finger is four. Now that we've covered the basics of guitar navigation and terminology, let's dive into the first mode, Ionian. 5. Ionian: In this lesson, you'll learn how to play through two octaves of the C Ionian mode. Ionian is first in the modal series, and it's just another name for the major scale in terms of steps. Ionian follows this pattern, half to play this mode. And you'll want to get your hand in the seventh position starting on the low string. You'll begin by using your two finger to play the eighth fret, followed by your four finger to play the tenth fret. Moving on to the string, play through frets, 78.10 with your 12.4 fingers. Next on the D string, play through Fort 79.10 with your 13.4 fingers. At this point, you've played through the first octave on the G string. Follow the same pattern by playing through frets 79.10 with your 13.4 fingers. Next, move to the string and play frets 8.10 with your 2.4 fingers. Finally, on the high play frets 7.8 using your 1.2 fingers. Now you've played through the second octave. If you want to finish out the pattern with the remaining notes accessible in this position, you could play the tenth fret with your finger. Here's how ionian sounds played, both ascending and descending. Here's how it sounds played over some chords in the key of C. Great work on getting through. Next up, we'll tackle the. 6. Dorian: In this lesson, you'll learn how to play through two octaves of the D Dorian mode. Dorian is second in the modal series and is essentially the same as the minor scale, but with a raised six. This gives it a slightly mysterious quality in terms of steps. Dorian follows this pattern. Half, whole hole, hole, half hole. To play this mode in the key of C, you want to position your hand in the tenth position. Starting on the low E string, you begin with your one finger on the tenth threat, followed by your 3.4 fingers on the 12th and 13th. Threats. Moving to the string, play through frets, 10.12 With your 1.3 fingers on the D string, you'll need to move your hand to the ninth position and play through frets 910.12 with your 12.4 fingers. At this point you've played through the first octave on the G string. We'll follow the same pattern and stay in the same position. Again, playing through frets 910.12 With your 12.4 fingers on the string, you'll move your hand back to the tenth position and play frets 1,012.13 with your 13.4 fingers. Finally, on the high E string, we'll finish up the pattern by playing the Tenth Threat using your one finger. Now you've played through the second octave. If you want to finish out the pattern with the remaining notes accessible in this position, you could play the 12th and 13th threats with your 3.4 fingers. Here's how Dorian sounds, forward and backwards. Here's the story. And played over some chords in the key of C. Great work on getting through Dorian. Next up we'll take a look at the Phrygian mode. 7. Phrygian: In this lesson, I'm going to show you how to play through two octaves of the Phrygian. Phrygian is third in the mortal series and is characterized by its minor scale qualities, but with a flat and second. In terms of steps, Phrygian follows this pattern, half whole. To play through this mode in the key of C, you want to place your hand in the 12th position, or you could utilize the open strings and play through this mode in the first position. Starting on the low E string, You'll begin with your one finger on the 12th fret. Follow this by using your 2.4 fingers and play through the 13th and 15th. Threats. Next on the A string, play through frets 1,214.15 With your 13.4 fingers on the D string, you'll play through frets 12.14 with your 1.3 fingers. At this point, you've played through the first octave. Finish out this string by using your finger to play the 15th Threat. Next on the string, play through frets 12.14, with your 1.3 fingers. Follow this on the B string by playing frets 1,213.15 with your 12.4 fingers on the high E string. We'll finish up the pattern by playing through the 12th fret with your one. Now you've played through the second octave. If you want to finish out the pattern with the remaining notes accessible in this position, you could play the 13th and 15th frets with your 2.4 fingers. Here's how phrygian sounds, ascending and descending. And here I'm going to use the phrygian mode and play over some chords in the key of C. Nice job on getting through. Next up, we'll take on the Lydian. 8. Lydian: In this lesson, I'll show you how to play through two octaves of the F. Lydian mode. Lydian is fourth in the modal series, and it's known for its raised fourth, which provides a floating or other worldly sound in terms of steps. Lydian follows this pattern. Hole, half hole one half. To play through this mode in the key OfC, you'll want to place your hand in the 12th position. If you want to utilize the open strings, you could play this in the first position. Starting on the low E string. You'll begin with your two finger on the 13th Threat, followed by your four finger on the 15th Threat. Moving on to the string, play through frets 1,214.15 With your 13.4 fingers on the D string, you'll play through frets 1,214.15 with your 13.4 fingers. At this point, you've played through the first octave. Moving on to the string, play through frets 12.14 with your 1.3 fingers on the string. Play Threats. 1,213.15 with your 12.4 fingers. Finally on the high play the 12th and 13th threats using your 1.2 fingers. Now you've played through the second octave, but if you want to finish out the pattern with the remaining notes accessible in this position, you could play the 15th Threat with your four finger. Here's how Lydian will sound. Ascending and descending. Here's Lydian played over some chords in the key of C. Nice job. I'm getting through, Lidian. Next we'll take a look at the mix of Lydian. 9. Mixolydian: In this lesson, I'll show you how to play through two octaves of the G Mixolydian mode. Mixolydian is fifth in the modal series. Mixolydian is energetic and bluesky, with a dominant seventh that creates a strong resolved feeling in terms of steps. Mixolydian follows this pattern half hole. To play this mode in the key of C, you'll want to place your hand in the second position, starting with the low E string. You'll begin with your two finger on the third fret, followed by your four finger on the fifth fret. Next on the string, play through frets 23.5 with your 12.4 fingers. Moving on to the D string, you'll play through frets 23.5 with your 12.4 fingers. At this point, you've played through the first octave on the G string. Play through frets 24.5 With your 13.4 fingers on the string, shift your hand to the third position and play frets 35.6 With your 13.4 fingers on the high, remain in the third position, and play the third fret with your one finger. Now you've played through the second octave. If you want to finish out the pattern with the remaining notes accessible in this position, you could play the fifth fret with your three finger. Here's how mixolydian sounds. Ascending and descending. B, B. Here's how mixed Lidian will sound over some chords in the key of C. Excellent work getting through Lidian. Next up on the list is the Ali. 10. Aeolian: In this lesson, you'll learn how to play through two octaves with the alien. Alion is sixth in the mode of series with minor scale intervals conveying a sense of depth and emotion. In terms of steps, Alon follows this pattern to play this mode in the key of start by placing your hand in the fifth position, starting on the low E string. You'll begin with your one finger on the fifth fret followed by your 3.4 fingers on the seventh and eighth. Threats on the A string, you'll follow the same pattern to play through frets. 57.8 with your 13.4 fingers. Next on the D string, you'll play through frets. 5.7 with your 1.3 fingers. At this point you've played through the first octave. Next on the string, switch to the fourth position and play through frets 45.7 With your 12.4 fingers on the string, shift your hand back to the fifth position and play frets 56.8 on your 12.4 fingers. Finally, on the high string, play the fifth fret using your one finger. Now you've played through the second octave. If you want to finish out the pattern with the remaining accessible in this position, you could play the seventh and eighth threats with your 3.4 fingers. Here's how Olian sounds, ascending and descending. Here's how Olen sounds over some chords in the key of C. Good work on getting through Alien. Next up is our final mode, Lori. 11. Locrian: In this lesson, you'll learn how to play through two octaves of the Lochreion. Lochreion is seventh in the modal Sr. The Locrean mode is unstable and dissonant due to its diminished fifth interval. In terms of steps, locrion follows this pattern hole. To play through this mode in the key of C, you'll want to place your hand in the seventh position, starting on the low E string. You'll begin with your one finger on the seventh threat, followed by your 2.4 fingers on the eighth and tenth threats on the string, you'll follow the same pattern and play through frets 78.10 with your 12.4 fingers. Next on the D string, you'll play through frets 79 with your 1.3 fingers. At this point, you've played through the first octave. Finish up this string by using your four finger on the tenth fret on the G string, follow the same pattern and play through frets 79.10 with your 13.4 fingers on the string. Play frets 8.10 with your 2.4 fingers. Finally, on the high, play the Seventh Threat using your one finger. Now you've played through the second octave. If you want to finish out the pattern with the remaining notes accessible in this position, you could play the eighth and tenth threats with your 2.4 fingers. Here's how lo can sounds, ascending and descending. Here's how Locrian sounds over some chords in the key of C. Excellent job on getting through the Lo Korean mode and the entire modal series. Next up we're going to take a look at how we can make the most out of these patterns by using different rhythms and alternate picking. 12. Alternate Picking + Rhythm: Now that you have a good handle on how to play through the modes, I want to show you how you can get the most out of these patterns by incorporating different rhythms and alternate picking. Once you've gotten comfortable with the scale patterns, start trying to subdivide your picking to incorporate quarter notes, eighth notes, triplets, and 16th notes. Using a metronome will help you keep time and increase the accuracy and subdivision of your notes. I want you to try this exercise using alternate picking. Alternate picking is simply just the practice of switching between up and down strokes. When playing through the exercise, you most likely played each note once and then moved on to the next. Let's refer to this as using quarter notes. When you have that down, play through it again, but this time subdivide using eighth notes. So in other words, we're going to keep the same tempo, but play each note twice. Next, move on to subdividing by three, also known as triplets. Finally, try keeping the same tempo, but subdivided by four, known as 16th notes. Now let's put it all together, and I'll demonstrate these techniques in my class project. 13. Class Project: Now we've reached the point where I will show you my class project and demonstrate how to play through the entire modal series. In my project, I'll play through two octaves of each mode in the key of C, both ascending and descending, at 90 beats per minute. 14. Conclusion: Congrats on making it to the end of this class. I hope you're coming away with a deeper knowledge and understanding of how to play modes on the guitar. Post your final project in the project gallery, and post any questions you may have in the discussion section. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep honing in those skills, and I hope to see you in some of my classes in the future. I'll see you next time.