Learning and Playing The Modes On Guitar...and More

This lesson is an introductory to learning the modes and learning how to play them on the guitar neck.I am starting with 3 of the 7 modes.They will be the A Ionian,then the A Dorian and then onto the A Phrygian.This learning and exercise can be done all at once.Otherwords,daily,playing first the A Ionian,then onto the A Dorian and then onto the A Phrygian.
We will eventually go through all 7 modes by simply applying a different Major scale to each mode,BUT,starting on the A note each time!
The Ionian is simply the Major scale.That is easy right.So we will play the A Ionian,beginning on the 6th string/5th fret/2nd finger.... Ionian 1-2-3-4-5-6-7
OK...the Ionian is played over a Major chord progression...//A Major /D Major /A /D //



Now we will learn the A Dorian mode/a G Major scale with an A root note!We will again start on the 6th string,5th fret,with the 2nd finger.... Dorian 1-2-b3-4-5-6-b7
Try playing two chords... Am7 to an Am6 or D7 add9... //Am7 /Am6 /Am7/ Am6 //

And now onto the Phrygian Mode/an F Major scale with an A root note... Phrygian.This time the starting root note A(6th string 4th fret),should be played with the 1st finger.
1-b2-b3-4-5-b6-b7
The Phrygian mode is very exotic,as well as Spanish sounding.It is heard often in Spanish music.Play an A Major chord to A# Major and back to A Major...//A /A# /A /A# /A //
Now play the A Phrygian mode :-).Now you are seeing how the chord will dictate what choices you have to play,as far as scales and modes :-).


The Modes and their formulas...
Ionian 1-2-3-4-5-6-7
Dorian 1-2-b3-4-5-6-b7
Phrygian 1-b2-b3-4-5-b6-b7
Lydian 1-2-3-#4-5-6-7
Mixolydian 1-2-3-4-5-6-b7
Aeolian 1-2-b3-4-5-b6-b7
Locrian 1-b2-b3-4-b5-b6-b7

Next lesson will be the Lydian and and Mixolydian.And you will begin to see where all this is going!But for now,get the above 3 modes under your fingers :-),and remember the chord/chords that are used with each!

Learning and Playing The Modes On Guitar...Lesson 2
http://guitaranswers.blogspot.com/2009/11/learning-and-playing-modes-on.html