Chet May 18th, 2007
Before we discuss the modes of a scale let me first explain how a major scale is made. There are two rules:
- You need one of each note in the musical alphabet(A, B, C, D, E, F, and G).
- The intervals between the notes must follow this pattern in steps:
whole(2 frets), whole, half(1 fret), whole, whole, whole, half.
So if we start with F we end up with F, G, A, B(flat), C, D, and E. We call it a B flat instead of an A# because of rule 1 and we need a half-step there according to rule 2. We can build a major scale from any note by following these rules.
Playing those notes in that order results in a F Ionian mode. When you start from G and play up an octave (G-A-Bflat-C-D-E-F-G) you have the G Dorian mode. Remember it’s not a G major because you a using the notes in F major. Thus for each of the 7 notes in a major scale you have a corresponding mode. All of the modes built in the key of F are below.
Chet May 11th, 2007
Scales modes were first categorized by the Greeks in the time of … ancient Greece. While they can be a source of confusion for guitarists both in their use and pronunciation they’re essentially simple variations of a major scale. For example if you take a C major scale with the notes C – D – E – F – G – A – B – C, the Ionian mode can be played by using those notes in the same order starting from C. When you start on the 2nd note in the scale “D” and play D – E – F – G – A – B – C – D you are playing the Dorian mode in C major. For each note in a major scale there is a corresponding mode that goes with it. Each mode mode has a distinct tonality and can add variety to your improvisation.
Describing the characteristics of each mode is beyond the scope of this post so we will instead focus on a mode created from the 4th note of a major scale, the Lydian mode. I first became interested in the Lydian mode after learning the philosopher Plato suggested that in order to create a perfect state the Lydian mode should be outlawed. Here’s what he had to say in Republic:
… so we may now banish the
mixed Lydian harmonies, which are the harmonies of lamentation; and as our
citizens are to be temperate, we may also banish convivial harmonies, such as the Ionian and pure Lydian.
Interesting.
Below is a chord progression for which the G and C Lydian modes are suitable tools for improvisation. Try G Lydian over the first two bars and C Lydian over the next. If the scales seem familiar its probably because you can use scale shapes you (should) already know. Since a G Lydian is built off of the 4th note in the D major scale, you can use a C Shape D major in 2nd position. Likewise a G major E shape will give you a C Lydian scale if you start on a C. Pay attention to the C# in the first two bars and the F# in the second two, those are the notes that make your improvising sound distinctly “Lydian”.
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