CAN SOMEONE HELP ME UNDERSTAND MODES???

[Humberto1]

i already read the link that t-block has put up but, i want to know if it is possible to play the modes in all minor scales aswell and in all major scales???

[jonesl78]

In a nutshell, yes, you can play modes in the major, natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor scales. However, they have different names depending on what scale you use. For example, the fourth mode in a major scale is called lydian and the 4th mode in the melodic minor scale is called lydian dominate.

Modes are typically used for improvisation. Although modes of a scale are relative to one another in terms of pitch they are different in function.  For instance, the 7th tone of C Ionian is B and the 7th tone of D Dorian is C.

[T-Block]

i already read the link that t-block has put up but, i want to know if it is possible to play the modes in all minor scales aswell and in all major scales???

Modes come from the major scale. They are nothing more than the major scale being played starting on every note in the scale.

Starting on the 1st note of the major scale you have the Ioninan (major) mode
Starting on the 2nd note of the major scale you have the Dorian mode
etc.

Each mode uses the exact same notes as it's relative major scale. It just starts and ends on a different note. So, basically anytime you play a mode, you're just playing a major scale. Here's an example using the key of C:

Key of C modes

Ionian (major): C  D  E  F  G  A  B  C

Dorian: D  E  F  G  A  B  C  D

Phrigian: E  F  G  A  B  C  D  E

Lydian: F  G  A  B  C  D  E  F

Mixolydian: G  A  B  C  D  E  F  G

Aeolian (minor): A  B  C  D  E  F  G  A

Locrian: B  C  D  E  F  G  A  B


Now, take a look at all those modes. What do you notice about them? The obvious thing you should see is they are all using the same notes. The ONLY difference is the note they start and end on. You can do this with every key. I'm not going to cuz I think you get the point and can figure it out for yourself.

So, if u learn the major scale really well, in essence you have simultaneously learned all these modes. It just feels weird playing/hearing them cuz they start and end on different notes and don't sound like the major scale at all.

[Humberto1]

oh i see thanks bro!