Modes were in use before Western Scales were created. Modes are now use to modify a scale. To make it feel a certain way. The Modes create Emotion. They add “permanent” accidentals to a scale.

A Chart of the Modes

Since the C Scale is the Foundation of all Scales we will use that as a basis.
 As with most things typically you’ll see the Dorian and Mixolydian most commonly used on Guitar.

Mode

Formula

Starting with F3 String 5 “C on A “

Starting on  F1 String 2 “C on B”

Ionian

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

C Ionian A StringThe formula for the C Ionian mode

C Ionian B String

Dorian

1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7

The formula for the C Dorian modeC Dorian A String

C Dorian B String1

Phrygian

1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7

The formula for the C Phrygian modeC Phrygian A String

C Phrygian B String

Lydian

1 2 3 #4 5 6 7

The formula for the C Lydian modeC Lydian A String

C Lydian B String

Mixolydian

1 2 3 4 5 6 b7

C Mixolydian A StringThe formula for the C Mixolydian mode

C Mixolydian B String

Aeolian

1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7

C Aeolian A StringThe formula for the C Aeolian mode

C Aeolian B String

Locrian

1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7

C Locrian A StringThe formula for the C Locrian mode

C Locrian B String

Locrian is almost unheard of outside the world of Jazz Solos.   .

 

  • 1.Major modes:       Ionian, Lydian, Mixolydian
  • 2 Minor modes:      Dorian, Phrygian, Aeolian
  • 3. Diminished:         Locrian

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