Sooner or later the subject of modes will appear on the horizon. While definitely not the first thing to learn it is an important tool for expressing oneself and to be able to solo over different chord types found in blues, rock or jazz.
Modes are “variations” on the major scale each with own characteristics and applicability. There is a lot written and explained, see the useful links below in this article.
In this article I would like to summarize different modes of the major scale (being a good starting point for modes) and give some practical tools for practicing them. The mode shapes below show common (but not the only possible!) variations for the root notes located on the 5-th and 6-th strings. The shape tabs highlight the root note and the “characteristic note” for the given mode (if applicable) that gives the mode distinct flavour.
Jump to one of the modes below:
A possible mnemonics to remember the order of the modes is:
- I Don’t Particularly Like Modes A Lot.
I · Ionian
- Type: major
- Formula: Root · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7
- Characteristics: Very happy and bright
- Characteristic note: not really
- Use to solo over the following chords: major, major 7, 6, maj9, maj6/9, sus4, sus2, add9
- Perfect for: anything (happy)
ii · Dorian
- Type: minor
- Formula: Root · 2 · b3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · b7
- Characteristics: happier version of minor
- Characteristic note: 6
- Use to solo over the following chords: minor, min7, min6, min9, min11
- Perfect for: blues
iii · Phrygian
- Type: minor
- Formula: Root · b2 · b3 · 4 · 5 · b6 · b7
- Characteristics: exotic, dark
- Characteristic note: b2
- Use to solo over the following chords: minor, min7, min7b9
- Perfect for: (heavy) rock
IV · Lydian
- Type: major
- Formula: Root · 2 · 3 · #4 · 5 · 6 · 7
- Characteristics: dreamy, yet less happy than Ionian
- Characteristic note: #4
- Use to solo over the following chords: major, maj7, maj6, maj7#11, maj9#11
- Perfect for: rock, jazz
V · Mixolydian
- Type: major
- Formula: Root · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · b7
- Characteristics: rock’ish, irish, less bright/happy than Ionian
- Characteristic note: b7
- Use to solo over the following chords: 7, 9, 11, 13 (dominant)
- Perfect for: jazz, funk, (blues)
vi · Aeolian
- Type: minor
- Formula: Root · 2 · b3 · 4 · 5 · b6 · b7
- Characteristics: dark, sad
- Characteristic note: b6
- Use to solo over the following chords: minor, min7, min9, min11, min7#5, but NOT min13
- Perfect for: rock
viiº · Locrian
- Type: diminished
- Formula: Root · b2 · b3 · 4 · b5 · b6 · b7
- Characteristics: unstable
- Characteristic note: not really
- Use to solo over the following chords: m7b5
- Perfect for: jazz
Downloads
I love having a “cheat sheet” when I play printed out next to me. Hereby a 2 on 1 page major scale modes cheat sheet with the most common (but not the only possible!) shapes for 5th and 6th string roots as the easiest to remember.
Enjoy! Leave any comments or improvements below!
Useful links
Demo of all the modes. Demonstrated by Jake Lizzio, the guy has talent for explanation. Highly recommended!
Understanding modes, again by Jake Lizzio.
Introduction to Modes on JustinGuitar. A lot of text, but very good in combination with the videos above.
Modes by Matt Warnock. Very detailed and with a lot of practical material. Also very recommended even if you’re not into jazz!
