Play The 7 Modes in 7 Days (Tabs Incl.)
Photo by Marta Monleón
Modes are used in all kinds of musical styles like Jazz, Rock, Metal, Flamenco, etc. They create a certain mood or feel to your playing.
If you feel like you are stuck playing solos using just Major/Minor or Pentatonic/Blues scales all the time, you’re ready to call on the modes and dive a little deeper.
When I first got introduced to modes I was a little bit overwhelmed, but also excited to explore this whole new world of boundless possibilities.
I soon realized it’s all about the journey and not the destination, so enjoy the process!
There are 7 modes which can be derived from the major scale:
1 – Ionian
2 – Dorian
3 – Phrygian
4 – Lydian
5 – Mixolydian
6 – Aeolian
7 – Locrian
Each mode starts and stops on a different note within the major scale.
E.g.: The Dorian mode starts on the second degree of the major scale all the way up to an octave higher, the Phrygian mode starts on the third degree of the major scale up to an octave higher, the Lydian mode starts on the fourth degree of the major scale up to an octave higher and so on.
In this post we take the C major scale to explain the modes, but you can derive the 7 modes from any major scale in any key.
For example:
C Major = C D E F G A B
C Major modes are: C Ionian, D Dorian, E Phrygian, F Lydian, G Mixolydian, A Aeolian, B Locrian.
G Major = G A B C D E F#
G Major modes are: G Ionian, A Dorian, B Phrygian, C Lydian, D Mixolydian, E Aeolian, F# Locrian.
F Major = F G A Bb C D E
F Major = F Ionian, G Dorian, A Phrygian, Bb Lydian, C Mixolydian, D Aeolian, E Locrian.
Bb Major = Bb C D Eb F G A
Bb Major = Bb Ionian, C Dorian, D Phrygian, Eb Lydian, F Mixolydian, G Aeolian, A Locrian.
I challenge you to understand the basics and work your way through each mode in 7 days.
I give you 2 fingerings to play each mode, the notes, mode formula, whole/half step formula, mood and the associated chord type.
DAY 1
C IONIAN
The first mode, the Ionian mode is starting from the root note/tonic in the scale.
So the Ionian mode and the major scale are basically the same.
The (C Ionian) notes are: C D E F G A B C
Mode formula = 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Whole/half step formula = 1 – 1 – 1/2 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1/2
Mood: Happy / upbeat.
Chord type = Maj or Maj7 (so in this case CMaj or CMaj7)
e:--------------------------------------------8-------------------------|
B:-------------------------------------10-12----------------------------|
G:----------------------------9-10-12-----------------------------------|
D:-------------------9-10-12--------------------------------------------|
A:----------8-10-12-----------------------------------------------------|
E:--8-10-12-------------------------------------------------------------|
e:----------------------------------------5-7-8-------------------------|
B:---------------------------------5-6-8--------------------------------|
G:-------------------------4-5-7----------------------------------------|
D:-----------------3-5-7------------------------------------------------|
A:---------3-5-7--------------------------------------------------------|
E:----------------------------------------------------------------------|
Assignment 1:
Learn the C Ionian mode starting from the E and A string.
Assignment 2:
Play each mode a half step up.
DAY 2
D DORIAN
The second mode is the Dorian mode and starts on the second degree of the major scale.
The (D Dorian) notes are: D E F G A B C D
Mode formula (compared to the major scale) = 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7 8
Whole/half step formula = 1 – 1/2 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 1/2 – 1
Mood: Minor Jazzy feel.
Chord type = min or min7 (so in this case Dmin or Dmin7)
e:-----------------------------------------------10---------------------|
B:-----------------------------------------12-13------------------------|
G:-------------------------------10-12-14-------------------------------|
D:---------------------10-12-14-----------------------------------------|
A:-----------10-12-14---------------------------------------------------|
E:--10-12-13------------------------------------------------------------|
e:-----------------------------------------7-8-10-----------------------|
B:---------------------------------6-8-10-------------------------------|
G:-------------------------5-7-9----------------------------------------|
D:-----------------5-7-9------------------------------------------------|
A:---------5-7-8--------------------------------------------------------|
E:----------------------------------------------------------------------|
Assignment 1:
Learn D Dorian mode starting from the E and A string.
Assignment 2:
Play the modes in different keys through the cycle of 4ths.
Assignment 3:
Play the Ionian modes as well.
DAY 3
E PHRYGIAN
The third mode is the Phrygian mode and starts on the third degree of the major scale.
The (E Phrygian) notes are: E F G A B C D E
Mode formula = 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 8
Whole/half step formula = 1/2 – 1 – 1- 1- 1/2 – 1 – 1
Mood: Spanish, Flamenco.
Chord type = min or min7 (so in this case Emin or Emin7)
e:-----------------------------------------------12---------------------|
B:-----------------------------------------13-15------------------------|
G:-------------------------------12-14-16-------------------------------|
D:---------------------12-14-15-----------------------------------------|
A:-----------12-14-15---------------------------------------------------|
E:--12-13-15------------------------------------------------------------|
e:------------------------------------------8-10-12---------------------|
B:---------------------------------8-10-12------------------------------|
G:-------------------------7-9-10---------------------------------------|
D:-----------------7-9-10-----------------------------------------------|
A:---------7-8-10-------------------------------------------------------|
E:----------------------------------------------------------------------|
Assignment 1:
Learn E Phrygian mode starting from the E and A string.
Assignment 2:
Play each mode up a half step all the way up to the 12th fret and back again.
Assignment 3:
Take a break and make yourself a hot cappuccino.
Assignment 4:
Play the Ionian and Dorian modes as well.
DAY 4
F LYDIAN
The fourth mode is the Lydian mode and starts on the fourth degree of the major scale.
The (F Lydian) notes are: F G A B C D E F
Mode formula = 1 2 3 #4 5 6 7 8
Whole/half step formula = 1 – 1 – 1 – 1/2 – 1 – 1 – 1/2
Mood: Dreamy, floating.
Chord type = Maj or Maj7 (so in this case FMaj or FMaj7)
e:--------------------------------------1-------------------------------|
B:---------------------------------3-5----------------------------------|
G:-------------------------2-4-5----------------------------------------|
D:-----------------2-3-5------------------------------------------------|
A:---------2-3-5--------------------------------------------------------|
E:--1-3-5---------------------------------------------------------------|
e:-----------------------------------------------10-12-13---------------|
B:-------------------------------------10-12-13-------------------------|
G:----------------------------9-10-12-----------------------------------|
D:-------------------9-10-12--------------------------------------------|
A:----------8-10-12-----------------------------------------------------|
E:----------------------------------------------------------------------|
Assignment 1:
Learn the F Lydian mode starting from the E and A string.
Assignment 2:
Play each mode up a whole step all the way up to the 12th fret and back again.
Assignment 3:
Go for a run and take a nice shower.
Assignment 4:
Practice the Ionian, Dorian and Phrygian modes.
DAY 5
G MIXOLYDIAN
The fifth mode is the Mixolydian mode and starts on the fifth degree of the major scale.
The (G Mixolydian) notes are: G A B C D E F G
Mode formula = 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7 8
Whole/half step formula = 1 – 1 – 1/2 – 1 – 1 – 1/2 – 1
Mood: Bluesy
Chord type = Maj or Dominant7 (so in this case GMaj or G7)
e:--------------------------------------3-------------------------------|
B:---------------------------------5-6----------------------------------|
G:-------------------------4-5-7----------------------------------------|
D:-----------------3-5-7------------------------------------------------|
A:---------3-5-7--------------------------------------------------------|
E:--3-5-7---------------------------------------------------------------|
e:--------------------------------------------------12-13-15------------|
B:-----------------------------------------12-13-15---------------------|
G:-------------------------------10-12-14-------------------------------|
D:---------------------10-12-14-----------------------------------------|
A:-----------10-12-14---------------------------------------------------|
E:----------------------------------------------------------------------|
Assignment 1:
Learn the G Mixolydian mode starting from the E and A string.
Assignment 2:
Play each mode in turn randomly in different keys.(E.g.: E-string in the key of Bb, A-string in the key of C, E-string in the key of F, A-string in the key of G, etc.)
Assignment 3:
Meditate for 20 minutes.
Assignment 4:
Practice the Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian and Lydian modes.
DAY 6
A AEOLIAN
The sixth mode is the Aeolian mode and starts on the sixth degree of the major scale.
(Aeolian mode is the same as the natural minor scale)
The (A Aeolian) notes are: A B C D E F G A
Mode formula = 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 8
Whole/half step formula = 1 – 1/2 – 1 – 1 – 1/2 – 1 – 1
Mood: Sad, somber, unhappy.
Chord type = min or min7 (so in this case Amin or Amin7)
e:--------------------------------------5-------------------------------|
B:---------------------------------6-8----------------------------------|
G:-------------------------5-7-9----------------------------------------|
D:-----------------5-7-9------------------------------------------------|
A:---------5-7-8--------------------------------------------------------|
E:--5-7-8---------------------------------------------------------------|
e:---------------------------------------------------13-15-17-----------|
B:-----------------------------------------13-15-17---------------------|
G:-------------------------------12-14-16-------------------------------|
D:---------------------12-14-15-----------------------------------------|
A:-----------12-14-15---------------------------------------------------|
E:----------------------------------------------------------------------|
Assignment 1:
Learn the A Aeolian mode starting from the E and A string.
Assignment 2:
Practice each mode in different keys.
Assignment 3:
Take a 30 minute break and pour yourself some hot green tea with nice biscuits.
Assignment 4:
Practice the Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian and Mixolydian modes.
DAY 7
B LOCRIAN
The seventh mode is the Locrian mode and starts on the seventh degree of the major scale.
The (B Locrian) notes are: B C D E F G A B
Mode formula : 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7 8
Whole/half step formula = 1/2 – 1 – 1 – 1/2 – 1 – 1 – 1
Mood: Dark, sinister.
Chord type = dim or m7b5 (so in this case Bdim or Bm7b5)
e:--------------------------------------7-------------------------------|
B:---------------------------------8-10---------------------------------|
G:-------------------------7-9-10---------------------------------------|
D:-----------------7-9-10-----------------------------------------------|
A:---------7-8-10-------------------------------------------------------|
E:--7-8-10--------------------------------------------------------------|
e:---------------------------------------3-5-7--------------------------|
B:---------------------------------3-5-6--------------------------------|
G:-------------------------2-4-5----------------------------------------|
D:-----------------2-3-5------------------------------------------------|
A:---------2-3-5--------------------------------------------------------|
E:----------------------------------------------------------------------|
Assignment 1:
Learn the B Locrian mode starting from the E and A string.
Assignment 2:
Practice each mode up a whole step all the way to the 12th fret and back again.
Assignment 3:
Practice all the other modes as well.
Assignment 4:
Take a nap.
Well done! Give yourself a pat on the shoulder. You can be proud of yourself!
You managed to play all the scales/modes up and down the fretboard in different keys.
Learn to understand the basics and play the modes in 7 days. It’s a great place to start off.
From there you can start your journey through the vast possibilities of improvising and soloing with modes.
If you want know more about modes check out Frank Gambale’s “Modes no more mystery”
Give it your best and you’ll benefit!
If you liked this post please share it on Stumbleupon. I appreciate it.
Thanks,
Klaus
Nice post, its always nice to have it presented in a simple condensed format, and along with a plan! I like the text tabs too, easier to print / save / etc. without headache. Thanks!
I’m confused, I’ve learn that the tonic or the base note of each mode is in a different place, for example: In the locrian mode the base or tonic note is the second note on the E string, but in your post the base or tonic note is the first one on the E string. That’s why I’m confused, in my way to see it, the locrian mode that you posted isn’t B but C. Maybe I’m wrong.. can you explain me? thank you.
Hi Manuel,
You’re right, the B Locrian mode starting on the A-string obviously starts on a B note.
Something got messed up with writing out all the tabs. I corrected the mistake. It’s fine now.
Thanks for noticing.
Klaus
Perfect!
Now I remember as well!
Thank You Very Much!
Steve
Hi Jeff and Steve,
You’re welcome.
Have fun with it!
Best regards,
Klaus
Thanks man, learning guitar is a vast adventure and this is sure to help me sing a couple of tunes alonng the way
It sure is Riley and that’s what I like about guitar playing. The learning never stops.
Klaus
hey man, good exercises. you say ‘there are seven modes in music’, this is incorrect. there are seven modes of any seven note scale, six modes of any six note scale, etc. So, there are really infinitely many ‘modes in music’ because there are infinitely many constructible scales (if one allows further subdivision of the octave).
Hi Michael,
You’re right about that.
Of course I was referring to the 7 modes of the Major scale, which are the most prominent ones for people who are starting out with modes.
Thanx for the comment. I appreciate it.
Klaus
You wrote:
E Phrygian starting from the E-string
e:———————————————–12———————|
B:—————————————–13-15————————|
G:——————————-12-14-16——————————-|
D:———————12-14-15—————————————–|
A:———–12-14-15—————————————————|
E:–12-13-15————————————————————|
As I feel it’s much easier but not really sure about it why not like following?
E Phrygian starting from the E-string
e:———————————————–12———————|
B:————————————–12-13-15————————|
G:——————————-12-14———————————-|
D:———————12-14-15—————————————–|
A:———–12-14-15—————————————————|
E:–12-13-15————————————————————|
Cheers and many thanks for your work making us enjoying more and more our hobby which is one of the best medecine against any ill you may have. From Tokyo.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS =]
I never will understand why people display the 7 modes in different keys first! Makes no sense whatsoever. It only complicates matters. Why not just play them all from, say the key of ‘G’? One would be able to accurately identify each and every mode by position and pattern rather than just pattern!
Using these exercises have helped out immensely already. I will continue to practice these everyday. Thank you!
Great stuff, Klaus! I was introduced to the modes at Ohio U. in Music 101 (for non-majors!), and it blew my mind to realize that there are 144 keys! It was like one of those math problems that seems intractable until you pop through to the other side and look back and say, “That is so simple and so logical, and so beautiful!). Keep the great posts coming!
I feel like I understand a lot about music, but I’ve never understood the value of modes. It seems to me that you just showed 7 ways to play a major scale. Even if you played parallel modes like, say, C aeolian and C mixolydian, you’re really just playing in C major and then G major. Am I missing something?
*ionian, not aeolian.
Hi Klaus
This is great stuff. Many thanks.
Rgds
Kieran
Students get confused with modes! Thank you for this outline of clarity.
Zac
@FretZeroMusic
I like the biscuit & tea breaks. Gives my brain time to steep…
Any suggestions for modes in different drop tunings, such as Drop C or Drop B? Or how about an 8 string tuned to drop F#?
jake: modes alter the feel of a chord progression. although they are based off of a major scale, they do add a different tone to a melody than a major scale played over a root major chord
Well this is extremely helpful everybody else try’s to explain modes and wants to start on some wierd scale or minor junk but starting on the C major and explain it from there every thing comes easy because your able to comprehend it without confusion I just do not understand why all these other just want to confuse you so if you want to learn modes this is the place to be and I want to thank the person who made this website because you are the best teacher of all so all you other teachers out there go back to school.
Modes alter the sound and mood so if you are playing one mode then switch to another you change the sound so it’s like when you are listening to some good solo you hear one pitch then something a little different in another pitch that is modes at work this site has greatly improved my guitar thanks.
Seriously appreciate all this :) Going to quit my guitar lessons and just come here everyday.
You should have a donate button