[ARCHIVED] UNDERSTAND the MODES - and Use the Pentatonic Scale to Play Them INSTANTLY

[@fretscience]

*NEW:* I'm currently rolling out *Improv 101,* a step-by-step improvisation course for guitarists of _all ability levels_ (there are _no_ prerequisites other than being able to physically play single-note lines on your guitar). You can get early access on Patreon patreon.com/fretscience or learn more at fretscience.com/2024/10/25/fret-science-improv-101/ Fret Science is a new and robust method for understanding the fretboard (learning all of your scales, arpeggios, and chords) with _dramatically_ less memorization. And then using that knowledge to improvise and play freely in _any_ style of music. The core method for learning scales and chords is available _for free_ here on KZbin. If you're new to the channel, I invite you to check out the "Big Picture" video and recommended video viewing order here: kzbin.info/aero/PLMuHlX9RiFi1L1RdC0CzYa1qxZllD5Ujz&si=cOp25GnXrL28rbLQ If you want to go deeper or interact with me directly, come join me on Patreon patreon.com/fretscience where I'm sharing exclusive new lessons, breaking down classic solos, and rolling out a new improvisation method that will help guitarists of _all ability levels_ learn to improvise confidently over chord changes in any style. You can also connect with me at fretscience.com or support my work with a donation at buymeacoffee.com/fretscience 🎸🧪🤘

[@MetaphysicalMusician]

I'm a teacher and your work is Excellent...WELL DONE

[@innocentoctave]

This is absolutely first-rate stuff: easily the clearest and most logical presentation of the modes of the major scale that I have seen. The way in which you have used visual effects to clarify concepts and enhance understanding is a master class in clear communication. Recommended not just for guitar players, but for anybody who wants to see how teaching theory can be done well with simple materials. Subscribed.

[@fretscience]

Thanks, Paul!

[@fredtaylor9792]

Yes! Teachers could learn alot by watching this video.

[@mccloysong]

The simplest explanation of what has always felt like a complicated subject.

[@allenklosowski226]

This lesson has literally given me that moment that clicked and opened up my guitar playing. I can’t stop internalizing this. Played a 30 min Dorian jam this morning that I had totally eluded me before. I’ve never seen it presented this way before and I feel like I have a new learning path for me that just opened up. Thank you!!!

[@fretscience]

That's fantastic to hear!

[@robbdogg9134]

Dude... Same this morning.

[@robbdogg9134]

This pentatonic scale modes hack is blowing my mind and I can't thank you enough. Actually I'd like to thank you more, but I'm a little broke right now, lol

[@fretscience]

Much appreciated, thanks! 🎸🧪🤘

[@robbdogg9134]

@@fretscience I do have a question though. If somebody tells me they want to jam in B minor Phrygian, do I just apply the Phrygian pattern to the first pattern of the B minor pentatonic scale? Or am I needing to play it in the actual position it fits into in the major scale? If that makes sense.

[@fretscience]

@@robbdogg9134 You can use any minor pentatonic pattern and fill in the "rectangle" with the two notes shifted to the left. That will always given you a Phrygian scale with the same root as the minor pentatonic you're playing. I also recommend checking out my updated video on this, which shows you how the same two additional notes fall around the "stack" part of the pentatonic pattern: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKPYnH2Pfp2Ymbs

[@_arman_]

I don't know what's more brilliant - the methodology, or the way it was taught. Can't believe this was free. Thank you! Already helped me so much.

[@fretscience]

Thanks! You should definitely check out the updated version, which has a really nice extension of the core idea: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKPYnH2Pfp2Ymbs

[@_arman_]

@@fretscience Will do!!! Thank you!

[@xichloable]

The best visual explanation of modes, and your voice is just so calm , thank you !

[@fretscience]

Thank you!

[@alanr404]

I have spent years trying to get my head around modes. This is singularly the best explained lesson I have come across. Well done and thank you.

[@fretscience]

Thanks, Alan! Much appreciated!

[@fredtaylor9792]

Words cannot accurately describe my appreciation for these videos. Your method of presentation is THE best way to learn considering most everyone is a visual learner.

[@fretscience]

Thank you, Fred!

[@TradeSmartU]

This is extraordinary! You clarified 4 years of music theory for me, in under 8 minutes. 👏🙌

[@cato451]

Mind altering. Why has no one ever presented modes like that before. Unbelievable!!!! Ty

[@keithlamontdavis8047]

This is beautiful. The best explanation I've ever seen. And I've seen many.

[@jameserenberger3425]

This is the same method that I used to memorize the Mode shapes on the fretboard. I am glad to see that others do this too! My one added piece of advice is that this technique can also be use to derive the Melodic Minor Modes. Dorian b2 has a Pentatonic minor scale within it. Lydian Dominant has a major Pentatonic scale within it.

[@c0untbakwerdz]

This is great. As a self taught guitarist (in the early 90s - no youtube!) I remember learning pentatonic minor, then full major scales, and figuring out that the shape of the former fit into the latter - I'd play all the notes but starting on the pentatonic minor root.. Eventually I figured out that I was playing Dorian mode.. This is a really succinct explanation of how the other modes fit into that frame. Thanks a lot!

[@terryowens169]

I ve never seen such a practical description of the modes on the guitar! Keep it up !

[@jayseb]

First time modes makes sense in less than a minute. SOLID.

[@chopdoc11]

Never seen it presented this way and wow this unlocks a lot. Great video!!!

[@timemerson2691]

Boom. You just cracked the code for me brother. I’ve never seen modes presented like that before. All the confusion blown to bits. Thank you 😊

[@fretscience]

Thanks, Tim! It took 30 years of noodling before it started to click for me, and I’m on a mission now to help others cut to the chase. You might find some of the posts at fretscience.com useful, and there will be more videos to come

[@CommanderMarsh]

This is sick. Now I need to watch eighteen more times.

[@timburkhalter114]

BRILLIANT - I have never had this explained so very well. Thank you!!!!!!

[@isaacjohnson.]

That was amazing. Best explanation I have heard yet, and love tying modes to the pentatonics since I know those so well. Excellent video.

[@Frentakis]

For guitarists the best and easiest way to figure out the modes I have ever seen on KZbin. Very well done Mr. Fret Science!

[@fretscience]

Wow, thanks!

[@FreddyJ120]

Brilliant! Best explanation and demonstration of modes I’ve ever seen. I’ll be referring back to this one over and over. Thank you! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@YEM_]

I figured this out recently. Makes modes really easy. Focus on the chord notes and your off running.

[@tonymccormick21]

the best visual explanation I have seen. So good, that it becomes so simple I think I must be missing the hard bit

[@fretscience]

Remembering the fingerings is a lot easier with this method than in the usual way of memorizing CAGED scale patterns...it's still not necessarily easy to make good music with these scales, but at least the memorizing is out of the way!

[@w0ke_destroyer]

Liked and subscribed! This lesson is EXTREMELY helpful. It's been a very long time since a guitar lesson on youtube gave me that lightbulb moment. Keep up the good job! I'm looking forward for your next video.

[@musiccompositionadventures621]

This is the best, clearest explanation of modes I’ve ever seen.

[@fretscience]

Thank you!

[@rising2002]

Congratulations on this presentation masterpiece. Visualization, voice and content are amazing and unique in this KZbin world.

[@fretscience]

Thanks for your kind words, Uwe! 🎸🧪🤘

[@Archangel_Michaels]

You are one of the few people on youtube that actually knows what they are talking about Thank you for all your hard work .... keep 'em coming !!!! A +++++ 😎

[@fretscience]

Thanks for the very kind words!

[@katariina7697]

It's like today my KZbin algorithm had an aha-moment and said: "I get it now, you don't want the most watched videos, you want the best ones." And that's what I got. I can't thank you enough for this wonderfully clear, eye-opening lesson. Just gold.

[@fretscience]

Thanks! Glad you found it! 🎸🧪🤘

[@traegermethod3802]

This is the single greatest explanation and demonstration of the modes I have ever seen. Thank you!

[@fretscience]

Much appreciated!

[@barrycoulter6951]

Awesome…! Thx for the easy and practical explanation… you just cleared up years of confusion in 3 minutes…!

[@zakool824]

Thank for your work. I am an autodidact guitar player and learned theory by myself. Your visual lessons are among the bests ways to mind map efficiency the fretboard. You truly rocks ! 🤘😎🎸

[@fretscience]

Thanks! 🎸🧪🤘

[@7775Kevin]

I’m so glad I stumbled onto this channel. I have learned more watching two or three or these videos than from a shelf full of books. Thanks very much!

[@fretscience]

Much appreciated!

[@rafalvarezsevilla]

instant sub with bell, awesome explanations and awesome graphics, keep up the work and your channel will blow up!!

[@justinhuckabee8302]

Thanks! Just stumbled upon your vid understanding the modes. I get it now.

[@fretscience]

Glad it clicked for you, Justin…thanks! 🎸🧪🤘

[@ew6629]

That was simply brilliant! An excellent video on modes. Thanks much.

[@Sussloaf]

First time in 25+ yrs it makes sense to me…thanks! Now all I need to do is make my fingers understand it!!

[@jackydany8421]

I don't speak english good enough to tell you all m'y gratitude. I think i understand. So many years....just brilliant! Merci beaucoup.👍

[@fretscience]

So glad it helped! 🎸🧪🤘

[@tnt3991]

Your lesson has given me freedom to express maself on the Guitar...Bless u Much

[@neildobbs7278]

To reiterate what everyone else is saying in the comments, this really is the best video on modes out there! Seriously good, thank you for all your effort

[@fretscience]

Thanks, Neil…the positive reactions are awesome and much appreciated!

[@jomaas67]

Great explanation , missed these youtube info 45 years ago. Finally things are easier to understand and make a lot more sense , thank you !

[@fretscience]

Glad to help! It’s fantastic how much better the technology for learning guitar is today than it was in the 80s, but it’s shocking how little the core teaching methods have changed

[@ryanmyers1614]

This is amazing. Please make more wonderful videos like this. ♥️♥️

[@AlonsoViladomat]

Very nice video. This video portraits very clear way to build any mode on the guitar.

[@garrysimmons111]

Wow, just wow. Amazing video. Thank you so much!

[@JunkYour925]

There is a way to leverage this to be able to play all the modes easily just by knowing the diatonic major scale pattern and the major/minor parallel mode shift trick in any CAGED position. It’s ridiculously easy in its simplicity. Great for chord of the moment chasing or getting into a mode to jam. I can’t believe I haven’t seen anyone notice it or bring it up after years of surfing every guitar channel for three years. In your video there is something many never mention which is just as major has a relative minor so does Lydian and Mixolydian, their relatives are Dorian and Phrygian respectively.

[@fretscience]

Thanks, Tom. My wild guesstimate is that 80% of rock and roll and 95% of blues is leveraging that Mixolydian/Dorian parallelism.

[@JunkYour925]

@@fretscience coincidentally Martin Hury just did a “short” on that very way of looking at it. Also combining minor pentatonic w blue note with major pentatonic gets same.

[@fretscience]

@@JunkYour925 Cool, thanks for the pointer!

[@joec.9976]

This is huge. Thanks.

[@iamhapidays8766]

You have an extraordinary ability imparting your guitar theoretical knowledge through your creativity and imaginative thinking, making learning complex materials into simple yet powerful method that is just so easily understood and follow. Grateful for what you do!

[@fretscience]

Thanks for your kind words! 🎸🧪🤘

[@brookeaday9423]

a precise and powerful presentation, just excellent! thanks so much!

[@fretscience]

Thanks, Brooke!

[@blatantcan]

This is an instant subscribe for me. This lesson is absolute genius!

[@NaziHampster]

Interesting. Just learning the minor pentatonic. Very nicely presented theory video. Many thanks.

[@carlosbarbs]

I can only say thank you for this channel! Your scientific approach and logic is just fantastic. Just wanna say thank you, I will teach this to my sons!! Specially the warp, the best I am able to play any pentatonic shape, chord, triad, scales, modes on the whole guitar easily without thinking thanks to your genius and work, I will buy the PDF and every one should do it to as gratitude gesture!! 🎸🙌🙏

[@fretscience]

Much appreciated, cheers! 🎸🧪🤘

[@markay_]

Mindblowing stuff! I keep coming back to all your videos, because the first few times i watch them, i realize that i‘m not ready for this material yet. Then i practice for a couple of weeks/months and attempt to understand your lessons again😄👌🏼

[@fretscience]

I’m glad you’re sticking around. Let me know if there are parts that you’re struggling to understand-I’m always looking for ways to make this material more clear! 🎸🧪🤘

[@jonaxworthy]

Great work. Learning theory in small pieces is just unlocking so much. It explains why aimless noodling goes nowhere. Apply the theory to noodling and then things start to lock into place.

[@jcricket226]

Awesome content! I hope there is more to come!

[@fretscience]

Thank you, James! There are a few written lessons at fretscience.com that I think will be worth your time, and more videos on the way.

[@hybridjohn1]

omfg, another mind opening video. The "brightness order" is gold. This is where im sending anyone who struggles to understand modes. #welldone

[@fretscience]

Thanks!

[@glenl8395]

Fantastic explanation.

[@davehyypio4261]

Analytical and brilliant. I have never heard of the brightness scale before but it’s a great way to order and memorize the modes. Thank you for your work!

[@fretscience]

Thanks, Dave!

[@marting.3045]

You really helped me understanding the modes and seeing them on the fretboard...can´t thank you enough!

[@fretscience]

Glad to hear it! If you haven’t seen it yet, I made a major update to the methodology in this video, which you can find in the video with the “hidden in plain sight” thumbnail: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKPYnH2Pfp2Ymbssi=fimduAP-ANDC2aYK

[@tomas-wi8dy]

The most explicit 8 minutes about modes.

[@corfo8433]

And let’s face it - who needs locrian?? In all seriousness - a wonderfully researched presentation. Great work. Looking forward to future vids.

[@fretscience]

You can kind of squeeze Locrian out of this approach by using the Mixolydian/Phrygian pattern and treating the lower-left corner of “the rectangle” as the root, but that doesn’t let you leverage your existing pentatonic licks very well. I think there are better ways to approach the Locrian mode, and I’ll touch on those in a future video. But for my part, I’m quite happy exploring the grey area between Dorian and Mixolydian!

[@davidprince7740]

A very clear explanation of scale relationships. I'd find it even more helpful if you could an include audio/visual example of the scale and how it transitions to neighboring modes. I hope that's clear. Cheers!

[@fretscience]

Thanks, David...I'm always looking for ways to make the explanations more clear

[@MattOlpinski]

This is truly incredible content, thank you for making this video! What a brilliant illustration of how these work!

[@fretscience]

Thanks, Matt!

[@_obdo_]

Excellent presentation - keep it coming!

[@ryanc674]

Such a brilliant explanation. Speechless. please keep making videos, i'll watch them all.

[@fretscience]

Thanks, Ryan! Be sure to also check out the website for more non-video content

[@ryanc674]

@@fretscience The blog, it’s amazing!!! also surprised about your cv😵‍💫 I’m a CS student btw.

[@fretscience]

Just wait for the book! 🤣 This is what happens when a 50-year-old CS nerd who hates memorization tries to learn to improvise on guitar

[@JBStreeter]

Yeah, this is how you teach an efficient lesson🔥

[@johnborger]

Just awesome! Makes so much sense. I now the modes. But, this has made it so much clearer!

[@fretscience]

Thanks, John!

[@frostshock13]

I worked really hard on caged to know the patterns just to play around the neck, but this modes with the rectangles was something different. Great addition to just know that those note are ok when in that area instead of how I previous was just trying to remember the scale pattern for each, now it's just there.

[@fretscience]

I think the key is to have several different ways to think about the scales…each method is useful in some situations but not all. The more ways you have of thinking about it, the more flexible you can be on the fly

[@frostshock13]

@@fretscience I actually have a question for you that you would most likely know. Say I want to play a simple progression 1-4-5 or 2-5-1, is there a formula or similar to stay in the same relative position and just use a different penatonic/scale position thee to with the change? Like if I am playing C penatonic in an area, is there a shape change to get right to the 4th and from there the fifth. Or other variations without moving. Idk if I am explaining this right as theory isn't my strong suit.

[@fretscience]

In the case of I - IV - V, where all the chords are major, you can certainly use the major pentatonic scales that correspond to each chord. The scale pattern shifts up a string when you go from I to IV and it shifts down a string to get from I to V. My other video explains this concept. It seems slightly more complicated with a ii - V - I because the ii chord is minor, but since the ii is the relative minor of the V, they actually use the exact same pentatonic pattern. This probably needs a video to fully explain…adding it to the list!

[@frostshock13]

@@fretscience Thanks so much, yeah be great to see in video. I am just glad you got what I was asking.

[@bozakarlin9034]

Great lesson, thanks.

[@michaelgumleyguitar]

A great teacher can take a complex subject and make it simple! thanks so much for sharing :)

[@fretscience]

Thanks, Michael!

[@minstrel72]

So good! Such a clear explanation - thanks!

[@NicoSmets]

Wow, this is great! I'm looking forward to the next postings.

[@fretscience]

Thanks, Nico!

[@frederickthompson8686]

Genius! Now I get it!

[@paulsalazar3765]

Again highly invaluable information presented here. I'm enjoying it. A lot I don't know.

[@fretscience]

Thanks, Paul…glad you’re finding it useful!

[@DanDjurdjevicplus]

This is the best guitar theory channel on KZbin.

[@fretscience]

This is the best comment on this thread 🤣

[@philjames1019]

This new channel of yours is absolutely awesome!! I've never heard these systems explained in such a logical yet simple way. Good luck with your channel, and the website ... just subscribed!! 😍😍

[@fretscience]

Thanks, Phil!

[@EmmanuelMorin1973]

Very well explained. Bravo

[@fretscience]

Thanks, Emmanuel!

[@4kaSOSiso]

This video best explanation how to pentatonics work I have ever seen.

[@fretscience]

Thank you!

[@Saul_HUDSON]

Huge work ! Thanks !

[@Claudio.forte.t]

OMG, can't wait for your next video. This is gold!

[@fretscience]

Thanks, Claudio…I’m working on it!

[@nadeemafzal8984]

Finally I get it Many thanks 🙏🏽 Subscribed and thumbs up

[@tr762]

Con el audio de la sección The greek modes name y alterando el tono con cualquier software de audio se obtienen los modos en cualquier tono. Excelente presentación.

[@Indigo-lucky]

Amazing perspective and animated illustrations 🎉the best. Thank you!

[@fretscience]

Thanks! 🤘 Definitely check out the updated version…it’s even more powerful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKPYnH2Pfp2Ymbssi=7Ml5tvWw-guezoyn

[@Indigo-lucky]

I did. I saw all your videos and have been a subscriber from the very early days I think. Something about this one prompts more exciting thoughts and ideas in me. If I can pinpoint any distinctive feature, unless it is entirely subjective, I will reply and share what it was! Thanks for all your content. Trying to apply this to modulations, like when songs go from C minor Aeolian to Eb Dorian.. your videos add to my inspiration and strengthen the visualization. Thanks again! 😊

[@fretscience]

@2goofybrothers that’s awesome to hear…cheers!

[@basicsforbaroqueimprovisation]

Great material and presentation - Thank you for sharing ! Cheers - John

[@fretscience]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@aadityakiran_s]

Only 2 videos and you have these many subscribers already and that too in one month? That's pretty impressive. Videos are of that quality too.

[@fretscience]

Thanks! I am awed by the response so far and thrilled that this information is helping other guitarists 🎸🧪🤘

[@andy3d1]

Need more videos! This is great!

[@fretscience]

Working on it!

[@pinguin033]

Great lesson, thank you so much !

[@fretscience]

Glad you liked it, Maciej!

[@kemitj6718]

Great material. You're enlightening thousands. One request. Is it possible to get the video in 1080P

[@fretscience]

Thanks! I may do a “remastered” version at some point…it was a first-time-KZbinr iMovie export error 🤣

[@anlitch]

Thank you for this lesson!

[@fretscience]

My pleasure…glad you liked it! 🎸🧪🤘

[@learnspanish4456]

This is some insane high value content right here. Wow

[@fretscience]

Glad you’re finding it helpful! 🎸🧪🤘

[@ychaf7790]

This is hella good. All the respect🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@tj10777]

Great video man! Thanks

[@fretscience]

Thank you! There’s a bunch more written content on fretscience.com and more videos coming soon

[@danielware1181]

This channel is amazing!

[@fretscience]

Thanks, Daniel!

[@Jestablunt]

very valuable information.i will go through all videos, the last two also are on a precious information level which should really lighten up the knowledge. thanks for that ^^

[@fretscience]

Glad you found it helpful! 🎸🧪🤘

[@rodrichmond4966]

Most excellent!

[@HigherPlanes]

Damn! Awesome lesson. Nice way to visualize modes using pentatonic scales!

[@fretscience]

Glad you liked it…thanks!

[@HigherPlanes]

@@fretscience This video alone was worth a sub. Hope to see more in the future.

[@joeyquilapio887]

Brilliant! Thank you.

[@fretscience]

If you're new to the channel, I'd like to offer a warm welcome! To see how this video fits into the big picture of fretboard understanding, check out this overview video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqGmYmRrr89-n9k or download a FREE 12-page overview e-book: fretscience.myshopify.com/products/building-fretboard-fluency-the-big-picture-pdf-ebook Individual cheat sheets and a heavily discounted bundle are available for purchase at: fretscience.myshopify.com 🎸🧪🤘

[@MrInfinite43]

Pure gold, thanks