Modes Workout

Welcome to my Modal Workout lesson!

What is a mode?

Here's the definition as found in the GMC's wiki :

"A mode is a variation of a specific scale generated using set rules to obtain a slightly different set of notes.
When coupled with the altered chords that this implies, a mode can give a different and characteristic sound to a piece. "


We'll work on two important things :

1 - learning the modes, the shapes, the characteristic notes.
2 - the sounds, the mood of each modes, being able to recognize them.

For the lesson's purpose, I choose to play each mode with the same starting point, the A note, 5th fret/E string.
It's good for learning the shape but it will also allow us to compare the sound, the atmosphere of each mode.

Here are the characteristic notes:

IMaj7 / Ionian : 1, 2/9 , 3, 4/11, 5, 6/13, M7
IIm7 / Dorian : 1, 2/9, m3, 4/11, 5, 6/13, 7
IIIm7 / Phrygian : 1, b2/b9, m3, 4/11, 5, b6/b13, 7
IVMaj7 / Lydian : 1, 2/9, 3, #4/#11, 5, 6/13, M7
V7 / Mixolydian : 1, 2/9, 3, 4/11, 5, 6/13, 7
VIm7 / Aeolian : 1, 2/9, m3, 4/11, 5, b6/b13, 7
VIIm7b5 /Locrian : 1, b2/b9, m3, 4/11, b5, b6/b13, 7

Backing track : 120 bpm

II: Am I % I % I % I AMajor I % I % I % I Am I % I % I % I AMajor I % I % I % I
I Am I % I % I % I AMajor I % I % I % I Am I % I % I % :II

To practice your ear and recognize the sounds of each mode, I also included 2 backing tracks with only the synth pads :
one is with the A minor chord (video #8), the other with A Major chord (video #9)

Gear used:
Haar Stratocaster
Amplitube