How to learn modes on guitar

Minor guitar modes

Because we’re feeling so generous, we’ve decided to give you another free video lesson for the minor modes too:

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Dorian mode

Intervals: 1 – 2 – b3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – b7

Flavor: Soulful, melancholic

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• Dorian is one of the more familiar modes for us guitar players, due to the fact it fits so well around our favorite minor pentatonic shape!
• This is the only minor mode with a major 6th interval – this gives it a more uplifting jazzy sound.
• Dorian sounds great over any minor chord, but try it over a Cm6 for the full flavor.

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Aeolian mode (natural minor)

Intervals: 1 – 2 – b3 – 4 – 5 – b6 – b7

Flavor: Dark, sorrowful

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• If you’ve been playing guitar for a little while you should already know the natural minor scale AKA Aeolian.
• This mode is ubiquitous in all genres of Western music – second only to Ionian, so make sure you internalize the sound of this scale.
• The defining note of Aeolian is the b6 – move between the 5 and the b6 to really get a feel of what this mode is all about.
• This is the go-to scale when playing in a minor key or over minor chords. Cm9 is great for outlining the sound of Aeolian.

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Phrygian mode

Intervals: 1 – b2 – b3 – 4 – 5 – b6 – b7

Flavor: Mysterious, exotic

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• One of the less commonly used modes but still totally worth exploring.
• You’re likely to hear this sound in flamenco or metal.
• The b2 is the real stand-out note in this scale – being so close to the root note creates a lot of tension, so be mindful not to linger too long before resolving.
• It’s more common to play the b2 up an octave (as the b9) the higher register gives the note some distance and helps avoid muddiness and dissonance.

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Locrian mode

Intervals: 1 – b2 – b3 – 4 – b5 – b6 – b7

Flavor: Unsettled, dissonant

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• The problem child of the mode world, Locrian refuses to resolve!
• This is by far the least common of all the modes.
• You’ll occasionally hear it in jazz as a display of theoretical mastery.
• It’s also used in thrash/death metal to make the audience feel as uncomfortable as possible.
• The b5 (AKA tritone) really gives this mode that super dark quality.
• Practice this scale over a Cm7b5 chord. If you have a hard time finding that sense of ‘home’ when playing this mode, don’t worry – it’s the nature of the beast!

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Tips for practicing modes on guitar

It’ll take some time to get comfortable playing all the modes on guitar, but here are some ways to speed up the process.

Tip #1 – Sing!

We know you’re here to learn guitar, not vocals. However, if you can sing a mode, it means you’ve internalized the sound and will be able to identify it much more easily.

• A good way to do this is by strumming a chord related to the mode, then slowly singing the notes of the mode – ascending and descending.
• It may help to sing the number of each interval as an anchor.

Tip #2 – Practice in context

• Once you’re fairly confident with a scale shape, start using it.
• There are plenty of backing tracks available online – just find one tailored to the mode you're practicing.
• Try different styles and genres to see how modes work and sound in different settings.

Tip #3 – Stay musically aware

• One of the most important parts of understanding modes is learning how each interval interacts with the chord you’re playing over.
• Try to avoid mindlessly running up and down the scale – take it slow and really absorb the feeling of each note.

How to memorize all the modes on guitar

There’s one trick that can make things easier, and it’s based on a whole-step/half-step approach.

• The major scale is W-W-H-W-W-W-H.
• Pick a root note then follow this pattern and you’ll always get a major scale!
• Every other mode follows the exact same pattern, it just starts in a different place.

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Conclusion

There it is – a crash course on the seven major scale modes!

• From the bright and cheerful sounds of Ionian to the unsettled and dissonant tension of Locrian, these modes will add some serious flavor to your music.
• Remember, learning modes is like getting to know a group of friends. It might take some time to become acquainted, but once you do, you'll wonder how you ever did without them.
• If you find yourself feeling a little lost in Locrian land, don't worry – it's all part of the adventure.

Time to grab your guitar and create some spicy melodies and new harmonious friendships!

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Author: Richard Spooner

Richard Spooner is a writer and musician originally from the UK. After studying contemporary guitar at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) in London, he toured the UK with various groups, playing styles ranging from acoustic to metal.

Richard's diverse experience gigging, studying music, working in guitar stores, and managing rehearsal studios has given him valuable insight into guitar and what it means to be a working musician. Since 2019, he has been traveling and working as an editor for Pickup Music, while also contributing to Total Guitar, Killer Guitar Rigs, and Guitar Pro. After a decade of performing, he now enjoys creating songs, writing about guitar, and taking long walks on the beach.