So you want to learn guitar scales and modes, but don't know where to begin? Once you learn the pentatonic scales you can simply add two notes to create the seven modes of the major scale. Getting past the pentatonic scales is often the most challenging task for aspiring lead guitar players. But by knowing how to use the modes your solos will sound diverse and impressive.
When you begin to learn guitar scales, you should learn the various modes. Each key that you can play in actually has seven different modes. Seven keys times seven modes equals 49 different guitar scales for you to play with! Guitar scale modes are created by differing where you begin and where you end playing the scale. This may sound simplistic, but this makes a significant difference to the sound and feel of the scale and, therefore, your lead playing.
Ionian Mode. This is the "straight" mode or standard mode. When you first learn guitar scales, you will first learn the Ionian Mode (or the Aeolian Mode, but we'll talk about that later). The Ionian mode simply means beginning and ending the playing of the scale on the root tone. The formula is : Root Tone -T-T-ST-T-T-T-ST, where T means a full tone or 2 frets and ST means a semi tone or 1 fret. If you play a C scale in Ionian Mode, the first note you hit is C and the last note you hit is C.
Dorian Mode. This is widely used in rock music. Playing a guitar scale in Dorian means you start and end with the scale's second tone. So, to play in the key of C, in Dorian, your first note and last note are both D.
Phrygian Mode- Those who want to learn guitar with a little "Egyptian" or Middle Eastern feel should check out the phrygian mode. Here you will start and end with the major scale's third tone. So in the key of C, the Phrygian mode would begin with E, and end with E as well.
Lydian Mode- This mode is similar to the major scale, but we simply sharpen the 4th, giving a "spacey", bright feel to the mode. Joe Satriani and Steve Vai use this mode extremely well to create dazzling solos. Start and end on an F in the key of c to create this mode.
Mixolydian Mode. This is widely used for rock and jazz guitar solos and can be easily played over power chords. To play a guitar scale in Mixolydian, begin and end on the major scale's fifth tone. So, in C, you'll begin and end your solo with a G note.
Aeolian Mode- also known as the natural minor scale. This scale will create a sad feel to a song or solo. It is used in many different styles of music, from ballads to metal. Here you will start and finish with the A note of the C major scale.
Locrian Mode. This is a great mode to use to create a high level of tension in a solo, because it emphasizes the Leading Tone, the note that suggests the root note is coming. To use C as the example, C Locrian solos will begin and end with the B note.
When you learn guitar scales, be sure to also learn the modes. Your possibilities become endless!
When you begin to learn guitar scales, you should learn the various modes. Each key that you can play in actually has seven different modes. Seven keys times seven modes equals 49 different guitar scales for you to play with! Guitar scale modes are created by differing where you begin and where you end playing the scale. This may sound simplistic, but this makes a significant difference to the sound and feel of the scale and, therefore, your lead playing.
Ionian Mode. This is the "straight" mode or standard mode. When you first learn guitar scales, you will first learn the Ionian Mode (or the Aeolian Mode, but we'll talk about that later). The Ionian mode simply means beginning and ending the playing of the scale on the root tone. The formula is : Root Tone -T-T-ST-T-T-T-ST, where T means a full tone or 2 frets and ST means a semi tone or 1 fret. If you play a C scale in Ionian Mode, the first note you hit is C and the last note you hit is C.
Dorian Mode. This is widely used in rock music. Playing a guitar scale in Dorian means you start and end with the scale's second tone. So, to play in the key of C, in Dorian, your first note and last note are both D.
Phrygian Mode- Those who want to learn guitar with a little "Egyptian" or Middle Eastern feel should check out the phrygian mode. Here you will start and end with the major scale's third tone. So in the key of C, the Phrygian mode would begin with E, and end with E as well.
Lydian Mode- This mode is similar to the major scale, but we simply sharpen the 4th, giving a "spacey", bright feel to the mode. Joe Satriani and Steve Vai use this mode extremely well to create dazzling solos. Start and end on an F in the key of c to create this mode.
Mixolydian Mode. This is widely used for rock and jazz guitar solos and can be easily played over power chords. To play a guitar scale in Mixolydian, begin and end on the major scale's fifth tone. So, in C, you'll begin and end your solo with a G note.
Aeolian Mode- also known as the natural minor scale. This scale will create a sad feel to a song or solo. It is used in many different styles of music, from ballads to metal. Here you will start and finish with the A note of the C major scale.
Locrian Mode. This is a great mode to use to create a high level of tension in a solo, because it emphasizes the Leading Tone, the note that suggests the root note is coming. To use C as the example, C Locrian solos will begin and end with the B note.
When you learn guitar scales, be sure to also learn the modes. Your possibilities become endless!
About the Author:
Learn to play your very own great sounding guitar solos over the next 7 days and truly amaze your family and friends! ((Even if you are new to soloing)) Click here - Learn Guitar Scales to receive your FREE soloing guide not available anywhere else. This E Book will help you master Pentatonic Guitar Scales in no time at all, utilising the same techniques as professional guitar players use.
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