|
The modal system can seem frightening, complex, or just plain pointless!
I am therefore starting with a simple example, one bar of G, followed by a bar of F and C: 
Referring to the page 'What chords to use?', it could be said that this progression is in the key of C major (ie these chords can all be derived from the C major scale).
However, by improvising over the track (or even simply looking at it) we can establish that the 'tonal centre' is G (ie the progression 'rests' on the chord of G major and a G note 'sounds strongest' throughout the progression).
Many players may regard this piece as being in the key of G major for this reason.
However, this cannot be so - because if we play the notes of the G major scale over the progression, slowly and listening carefully, we can hear that it doesn't quite fit.
The notes of G major are G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, G.
It is the seventh note of F# that doesn't fit over the F chord.
So it is the notes of the C major scale that fit - C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C - but we need to take into account that the tonal centre of the progression is G.
What we therefore end up with is G, A, B, C, D, E, F, G - the G mixolydian mode scale.
This demonstrates the practicality and simplicity of the modal system.
The above process involved deriving a G scale from the C major scale, and this is what the modal system does. It takes each note of a major scale and regards that note as the tonal centre. Here is what you get, using the C major scale:
| C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C | = | C ionian mode | | D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D | = | D dorian mode | | E, F, G, A, B, C, D, E | = | E phrygian mode | | F, G, A, B, C, D, E, F | = | F lydian mode | | G, A, B, C, D, E, F, G | = | G mixolydian mode | | A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A | = | A aolian mode | | B, C, D, E, F, G, A, B | = | B locrian mode |
You can hear some examples of modal progressions on my Free Backing Tracks page.
To find some fingerings for modal scales checkout my Modes – Where? page.
You will also find a systematic and simple approach to mastering modal soloing / playing on the Modes – Where? page  Ideal for both beginners and advancing guitarists - Launch your playing to the next level! - High quality, inspiring MP3 backing tracks, formatted as complete songs
- Chord charts and diagrams
- Scales and box positions
- Fully tabbed out licks
- Emphasis on understanding and mastering modes and modal chord progressions
|
