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Play The 7 Modes in 7 Days (Tabs Incl.)

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Photo by Marta Monleón
Modes are used in all kinds of musical styles like Jazz, Blues, Rock, Metal, 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 you first get introduced to modes you might be a little bit overwhelmed, but at the same time it’s also exciting to explore this whole new world of boundless possibilities.

It’s all about the journey and not the destination, so just take it slow and enjoy the process!

The 7 Modes of the Major Scale
Modes are scales which can be derived from the major scale. The 7 modes of the major scale are:

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.

For example, Modes derived from C major:
C Ionian, D Dorian, E Phrygian, F Lydian, G Mixolydian, A Aeolian, B Locrian.

C Major = C D E F G A B
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

What you want is to be able play these modes in any given key, depending on the song or chord progression. Let’s say you want to play these modes starting on C: C Ionian, C Dorian, C Phrygian, C Lydian, C Mixolydian, C Aeolian and C Lorcian.

You have to figure out from which major scale each mode is derived from. Let’s take C Dorian for example. If the Dorian mode is from the 2nd degree of the major scale, the question becomes:
“C” is the second degree of which major scale? The answer is Bb

Bb major scale = Bb C D Eb F G A Bb
C Dorian = C D Eb F G A Bb C

Do the same with the other modes. If Phrygian mode is from the 3rd degree of the major scale, ask yourself: “C” is the third degree of which major scale? The answer is Ab

Ab major scale = Ab Bb C Db Eb F G Ab
C Phrygian = C Db Eb F G Ab Bb C

And so on.

I’ll show you two fingerings to play for each mode. I’ll give you the notes, mode formula, whole/half step formula, mood and the associated chord type.

In the example below we’re playing all 7 modes starting on C.

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)


C Ionian starting from the E-string
e:--------------------------------------------8----------|
B:-------------------------------------10-12-------------|
G:----------------------------9-10-12--------------------|
D:-------------------9-10-12-----------------------------|
A:----------8-10-12--------------------------------------|
E:--8-10-12----------------------------------------------|

C Ionian starting from the A-string
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 in different keys. E.G.: If you play C Ionian up a whole step (moving the entire scale 2 frets up), you are playing D Ionian mode.
If you move down the scale a half step (1 fret) from C you are playing B Ionian. So practice the Ionian mode in different places across the neck.
DAY 2
C DORIAN
The C Dorian mode starts on the second degree of the Bb major scale.
The (C Dorian) notes are: C D Eb F G A Bb C
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 Cmin or Cmin7)

C Dorian starting from the E-string
e:-----------------------------------------------8--------|
B:-----------------------------------------10-11----------|
G:-------------------------------8-10-12------------------|
D:---------------------8-10-12----------------------------|
A:-----------8-10-12--------------------------------------|
E:--8-10-11-----------------------------------------------|

C Dorian starting from the A-string)
e:-----------------------------------------5-6-8----------|
B:---------------------------------4-6-8------------------|
G:-------------------------3-5-7--------------------------|
D:-----------------3-5-7----------------------------------|
A:---------3-5-6------------------------------------------|
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
C PHRYGIAN
C Phrygian mode starts on the third degree of the Ab major scale.
The (C Phrygian) notes are: C Db Eb F G Ab Bb C
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 Cmin or Cmin7)

C Phrygian starting from the E-string
e:------------------------------------------------8------|
B:------------------------------------------9-11---------|
G:--------------------------------8-10-12----------------|
D:----------------------8-10-11--------------------------|
A:------------8-10-11------------------------------------|
E:----8-9-11---------------------------------------------|

C Phrygian starting from the A-string
e:-----------------------------------------4-6-8---------|
B:---------------------------------4-6-8-----------------|
G:-------------------------3-5-6-------------------------|
D:-----------------3-5-6---------------------------------|
A:---------3-4-6-----------------------------------------|
E:-------------------------------------------------------|

Assignment 1:
Learn C 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
C LYDIAN
C Lydian mode starts on the fourth degree of the G major scale.
The (C Lydian) 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 - 1/2 - 1 - 1 - 1/2
Mood: Dreamy, floating.
Chord type = Maj or Maj7 (so in this case CMaj or CMaj7)

C Lydian starting from the E-string
e:------------------------------------------------8------|
B:-----------------------------------------10-12---------|
G:--------------------------------9-11-12----------------|
D:----------------------9-10-12--------------------------|
A:------------9-10-12------------------------------------|
E:----8-10-12--------------------------------------------|

C Lydian starting from the A-string
e:-----------------------------------------5-7-8---------|
B:---------------------------------5-7-8-----------------|
G:-------------------------4-5-7-------------------------|
D:-----------------4-5-7---------------------------------|
A:---------3-5-7-----------------------------------------|
E:-------------------------------------------------------|

Assignment 1:
Learn the C 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
C MIXOLYDIAN
C Mixolydian mode starts on the fifth degree of the F major scale.
The (C Mixolydian) notes are: C D E G G A Bb C
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 CMaj or C7)

C Mixolydian starting from the E-string
e:-------------------------------------------------8------|
B:----------------------------------------8-10-11---------|
G:-------------------------------7-9-10-------------------|
D:----------------------7-8-10----------------------------|
A:------------7-8-10--------------------------------------|
E:----8-10------------------------------------------------|

C Mixolydian starting from the A-string
e:---------------------------------------3-5-6-8----------|
B:-------------------------------3-5-6--------------------|
G:-----------------------2-3-5----------------------------|
D:---------------2-3-5------------------------------------|
A:---------3-5--------------------------------------------|
E:--------------------------------------------------------|

Assignment 1:
Learn the C Mixolydian mode starting from the E and A string.
Assignment 2:
Practice the Mixolydian mode 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
C AEOLIAN
C Aeolian mode starts on the sixth degree of the Eb major scale.
(Aeolian mode is the same as the natural minor scale)
The (C Aeolian) notes are: C D Eb F G Ab Bb C
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 Cmin or Cmin7)

C Aeolian starting from the E-string
e:--------------------------------------------8-------------|
B:------------------------------------8-9-11----------------|
G:----------------------------7-8-10------------------------|
D:---------------------8-10---------------------------------|
A:-----------8-10-11----------------------------------------|
E:--8-10-11-------------------------------------------------|

C Aeolian starting from the A-string)
e:--------------------------------------3-4-6-8-------------|
B:-------------------------------3-4-6----------------------|
G:-------------------------3-5------------------------------|
D:-----------------3-5-6------------------------------------|
A:---------3-5-6--------------------------------------------|
E:----------------------------------------------------------|

Assignment 1:
Learn the C 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
C LOCRIAN
C Locrian mode starts on the seventh degree of the Db major scale.
The (C Locrian) notes are: C Db Eb F Gb Ab Bb C
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 Cdim or Cm7b5)

B Locrian starting from the E-string
e:------------------------------------------------8-------|
B:------------------------------------------9-11----------|
G:--------------------------------8-10-11-----------------|
D:----------------------8-10-11---------------------------|
A:------------8-9-11--------------------------------------|
E:----8-9-11----------------------------------------------|

C Phrygian starting from the A-string
e:-----------------------------------------4-6-8----------|
B:---------------------------------4-6-7------------------|
G:-------------------------3-5-6--------------------------|
D:-----------------3-4-6----------------------------------|
A:---------3-4-6------------------------------------------|
E:--------------------------------------------------------|

Assignment 1:
Learn the C 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 from.
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"

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Give it your best and you'll benefit!

21 Cool 3 Notes-Per-String Exercises to Rock On!

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Photo by Jsome1
Playing 3 notes per string exercises is something I do on a regular basis. I use them to warm up, to become a faster guitar player and to spice up my improvisation.

3 notes per string licks and scales are generally used for speed picking. Whenever you hear a guitar player playing these really fast terrifying licks, it’s probably a 3 notes per string lick. Paul Gilbert of Mr.Big is one of many great experts in this field.

If you practice these exercises properly and often enough you will increase your speed. Because of the 3 notes per string technique it will create a particular cool sound once you will start playing faster.

The 3 notes per string exercises are played using the alternate picking technique. There are other techniques as well like sweep picking but alternate picking is the most common one. Alternative picking means you hold the pick between your thumb and index finger with the pointed end facing toward the strings. You strictly use alternating down and up strokes. The first note you play is downstroke, the second an upstroke, the third one a downstroke, the fourth one an upstroke and so on.

Once you get the hang of it, it can become quite addictive, but be careful though. Don’t overdo it when you are soloing or improvising in front of an audience. It can become boring after a while. Use it now and then and you will sound great. For speed practice and improving your alternative picking technique use the 3 notes per string exercises as much as you can.

The one and only reason why these monster guitar players become so incredibly fast is that they practice long hours for days, weeks, months and years. And why do you want to do that? Because it’s fun and because you’ll get better and the better a guitar player you’ll become the more you want to practice.

If you are ready for the challenge practice these 21 cool 3 notes per string licks, scales, exercises and feel the rush!

Practice slow first and then gradually build up speed.
Have fun!


EXERCISE #1 (E minor pattern)
e:-----------------------------------------0-10-12-------|
B:---------------------------------0-8-10----------------|
G:-------------------------0-7-9-------------------------|
D:-----------------0-5-7---------------------------------|
A:---------0-5-7-----------------------------------------|
E:--0-3-5------------------------------------------------|

 

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3 Cool Blues Licks To Spice Up Your Improvisation

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Today I will teach you three cool blues licks to spice up your improvisation skills. There are a lot of blues licks out there that sound a little ordinary so here are some cool blues ingredients to make your improvisation sound more alive.

The licks are all derived from the A minor pentatonic scale, so you can play the licks over an A blues chord progression or a song in Am. I wrote down the tabs (tablature) below. Check out the video to hear what they sound like and how to position your fingers.

Enjoy!

 


 

LICK #1:
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