Confused about modes and modal guitar scales

[DesiSerna]

Why am I having a hard time understanding modes and modal guitar scales?

Modes is a very misunderstood topic. The reason is because it's a music concept that stems from others. If you don't know the others, then you're not going to get it.

If you truly want to understand music modes and how they relate to popular music and guitar playing, then I suggest you first study chord progressions and playing by numbers. I cover this in Fretboard Theory Chapter 6. I also have a DVD entitled Guitar Chord Progressions and Playing by Numbers.

Also, modes are based on major scale patterns (which are taught in Fretboard Theory Chapter 5). Make sure you understand how to cover the whole guitar fretboard with major scale patterns and can play major scale licks and phrases from songs.

After you have developed a good working knowledge of chord progressions and major scale patterns you'll be ready to explore the modal scale concept (which I have covered in the book and on DVD). I actually get you started on it in chapter 7 which is about roots, keys and applying scales (the heart of the modal concept). But I don't put it into modal terms until chapter 8.

With learning music theory for guitar, it's critical to completely master the fundamentals before venturing into more advanced, complicated subjects. Be sure to take things one step at a time as each concept prepares you for the next. Walk before you run!

[acgtka]

Hi Desi, I believe that the origin of the whole confusion and misunderstanding about Modes is that some tutorials/teachers are not considering a premise that modes are based on major scale patterns and the 7 chords that make the major scale. Considering the Cmajor scale: C D E F G A B we have the following chords: C Dm Em F G Am Bm(b5,b7) ... thus for any major scale we have: I IIm IIIm IV V VIm VIIm(b5,b7) chords ... and based on this, if we play a Cmajor scale starting in any place over, let's say, IIIm which is Em chord or a chord progression where Em chord is the tonal center, then we have the Frygian mode sound. But the confusion appears because instead of thinking this way they are modifying the major scale in order to achieve a particular sound ... you can see an example of this happening in this tutorial link: http://www.zentao.com/guitar/modes/index.html ... and if we have to learn different scale shapes/patterns to represent modes then it's really going to be a bit 'confusing' ... unless there are 2 kinds of modes?

[DesiSerna]

Right, guitar modes are based on major scale patterns and the 7 chords that make the major scale. The link you provided was theoretically correct, but practically confusing. Rather than alter major scale patterns to become "modal scale patterns," it's easier to just realize that all the patterns are the same. So instead of thinking about forming a "D Dorian pattern," just play C major scale patterns.

[elvisscottybill]

I too was initially confused about modes. Then I finally got it (it's dead simple). But then I was taught to learn each of the 7 modes in 5 different positions on the fretboard.

You have GOT to be kidding me right?

So I developed a MUCH easier way. In fact it is so quick and easy that I charge a small fee ($10) for teaching it.

Email me or PM me for details if you're interested. I'll have you playing any of the modes anywhere on the fretboard and continuing the pattern up, down, and across the board all day long if you want and never make a mistake. Play in A Phrygian and then jump to E Dorian (or any other mode) seemlessly like you've been doing it all your life.

I've never seen this approach taught anywhere else but it is incredibly effective. Takes about 5 - 10 minutes to learn.