How to Use Modes and Modal Interchange in Songwriting

Tired of using the same chords?
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In this video, I breakdown 7 modes (Lydian, Ionian, Mixolydian, Dorian, Aeolian, Phrygian, Locrian), show you how to write songs in the 7 modes, and show you how to write songs using Modal Interchange or Borrowed Chords.
I show you song examples of modal songwriting and modal interchange. One is Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day, the other is Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri.
Enjoy!
Note: v- on the chart means minor V. Wrote the minus because capital V and lowercase v look similar, so wanted to make it clear it was a minor V.
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Are you a songwriter? Here's some essential songwriting books on the lyric side of things:
Songwriters on Songwriting - Paul Zollo
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Writing Better Lyrics - Pat Pattision
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Songwriting Without Boundaries - Pat Pattison
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A Dictionary of American Idioms - Adam Makkai
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Scholastic Dictionary of Idioms - Marvin Terban
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[@musiciansinspired]

If you loved this video, you'll love The Song Science Series! musiciansinspired.teachable.com/p/song-science-1-2-3-4-and-5-bundle/?product_id=1308946&coupon_code=YTFAM (Still on discount for KZbin fam) In The Song Science Series we'll cover all types of chord tricks that songwriters use to tell stories with their music. We'll go much deeper into modal interchange and cover topics such as...back-cycling, diminished passing chords, secondary dominants, Neapolitan and Lydian II, bVII and bVI chords, pedal point, slash chords, harmonic rhythm, eleven and a half bar verses, pivot chord modulation, chromatic mediant modulation, modulation distance, refrain song form, and much, much more...and I'll show you how all these concepts are used in real pop songs. If you're ready to join me in the course, enroll today! musiciansinspired.teachable.com/p/song-science-1-2-3-4-and-5-bundle/?product_id=1308946&coupon_code=YTFAM P.S. Thanks for all the love on this video. Glad it's been helpful for a lot of you!

[@IsmaelAngelus]

I learned more about how use modes and modal interchange watching your video than in my entire music college. Thank you very much.

[@mehmetselcuksahin9187]

Hi thanks for the great video ; but i think some examples you have given might not be modal compositions . For example; green day broken.... i think it doesnt sound modal. Diffrence between minor scale and dorian scale is the 6TH note . You have to exactly hit that 6th to make it sound modal . And the consept of using minor and major chords doesnt fit modal hearing .I didnt check the full greenday song if they hit 6th or not . this is just my opinion :)

[@annalee809]

The clearest lesson on modes that I have ever found in such a short time! Good job!

[@estebanvenegas89]

Yesss

[@arnahaud5371]

Je confirme.

[@rabbimjn]

100%

[@stelanutela]

True! It makes sense finally!!

[@mikeirelan]

When composing or riffing in a mode, visualize it as its parent scale - keeping in mind the root note of the mode. For ex: If you're in the C Mixolydian mode, think of the key as F Major. If in C Dorian, think of it as Bb Major. If in C Lydian, think of it as the key of G. If in C Phrygian, then you're in Ab. If in C Aeolian, then you're in the relative minor mode of Eb Major (Ionian).

[@pumpkinhead6646]

Underrated comment

[@mikeirelan]

@Jo The "b" refers to the interval on which the chord is built. So, in Aeolian, for ex: the bIII is a Major chord built on the minor 3rd interval.

[@mikeirelan]

@Jo If the mode was A Aeolian, the chords constructed would be the same as the chords generated by the C Major scale, but starting on the 6th degree: Am (i) A minor B° (ii°) B Diminished C (bIII) C Major Dm (iv) D Minor Em (v-) E Minor F (bVI) F Major G (bVII) G Major In that chart, they are using the upper and lower case Roman numerals to refer to the degree and chord type. Lower = minor, Upper = Major. "b" = minor degree (minor 3rd, minor 6th, minor 7th) Ex: The note C is a minor 3rd from A. The chord built upon the root of C, doing the 1-3-5 formula, would be a Major chord (C-E-G). So, C Major is the bIII chord of A natural minor (Aeolian mode). Hope this helps.

[@zendakk]

That's useful to a degree as a scaffold but remember there's no functional harmony in modal harmony. Especially one needs to avoid the trap of making the listener focus on the parent. This usually happens when you use tritone intervals such as dominant 7th or half-diminished. In functional harmony, the want to resolve to the tonic. But in modal harmony, that would be the "parent" tonic, in other words the "wrong" tonal center. Example: In D Dorian, its IV would be G7. The problem is, that G7 wants to resolve to C, and resolving to Dm7 instead will sound weaker or unsatisfying.

[@mikeirelan]

@zendakk I get ya, just like in "Spooky" by the Classics IV. Yes, I look at that as Em Dorian (I play it in Em, not the original key of Fm) w/ the blue notes added, and taking care to hit the notes of the E° when it arrives in the progression.

[@kdubmartins]

9:33 I play the guitar and every time I'm on a IV chord I play the iv before resolving to I, just because it helps in the feeling of resolution, but I never learned the scale theory behind it. Thanks!

[@StratsRUs]

Everyone wants validation of genius ranking

[@bizarrefruit]

Thank you so much mate, after 24 years of playing various instruments I feel like my musical knowledge is going through a big-bang-like expansion, everything has sort of come together and it feels incredible! This video really helped me put the pieces together of modes, looking forward to another 2 hours of mind blowing info. I really appreciate your efforts, great job!

[@LostSoulAscension]

By far the best perspective and visual development on modes I've seen. Thank you for honing in on what makes each specific mode unique, and then zooming it out to an overall use and application, and two examples! Thank you, seriously...

[@triggerhappy522]

you know what else i like? i like that you include the roman and letter notation for the chords. its really really helpful

[@gregthomas3137]

Good stuff! I've been learning a ton of theory lately and came across the idea of modal interchange and the chords of different modes. You made this pretty simple. Thank you

[@ammusionist]

But.. I only play the triangle. I guess I use the Pythagorean mode.

[@chaotickreg7024]

ammusionist The triangle instrument is an equilateral triangle. The Pythagorean Theorum refers to triangles with a right angle.

[@ammusionist]

ChaoticKreg Darn it. I'd better take this one back then. No wonder it never hung straight.

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

Well there are two right angles in the triangle.. just bisect it. 90 30 60.. Oh those were the days doing proofs of Euclidean Geometry. .

[@jakxian3690]

Perhaps that makes it the Euclidean mode? :-P

[@amj.composer]

PIANOSTYLE100 That's my boi respecc✌

[@shogunai]

Man, I wish I had found your video sooner. Such a clear, amazing presentation of how to actually use Modes in a useful way. You're a gifted teacher man, thank you so much!

[@thestonedrummer6147]

Simply the best lesson on modes on KZbin, have watched 100’s of people trying their best to explain modes to us normal mortals but failed miserably. Thank you so much and by the way it’s guitar I play but you have at long last given me a clear insight into The mysteries of the “Modal World “ 👍👍👍

[@PhillipYewTree]

This is the clearest description on modes I have found in 50 years. Well done !!!!

[@gjanalog5675]

Good job explaining this. Finally i understand how the chord progression works in the different modes. For 5 years , i have attended the youtube music university, and only now, b/c of this vid, does it all makes sense to me. Im serious, thank you!🤙

[@stevenstewart3414]

This is an EXCELLENT video on the modes. I haven't seen the modes presented so clearly anywhere before. I will definitely be checking out more of your videos! (subscribing!)

[@abhijit_birje]

Thanks for explaining the modes so beautifully! It was really helpful for revising my concepts of modes and modal interchange.

[@MrMonckFish]

Thank you so much, out of everyone ive heard explain how to use modes you have been the clearest

[@hongsStuff]

He explained everything in steps, clarity, and in depth. Also putting it into practise. Great teacher. Thank you.

[@mjmproductions8327]

Aside from the first couple minutes this is an excellent tutorial.

[@crunch8484]

Brilliant. This is the clearest explanation of modes I've come across. It's been a lightbulb moment for me. Thank you!

[@clintonguitar]

I've been playing for 15 years now,always picked up all kinds of stuff along the way.But only over the last year had I decided to become more educated about how music works. Still felt so lost about alot of it,but then I came across your videos. You have some kind of way of teaching things that makes it easier to understand. I have so much to learn,and thank you for helping me understand so much I struggled with to start. Awesome teacher and musician.

[@NuNaWellbeing]

Thank you so much for the charts in your video! This video is one of the best videos on youtube that covers the modes in music.

[@yowza9638]

Can't wait to play with this! Thanks!

[@owlsomeclipse]

You make the best piano lessons around here! As a visual learner with zero knack for music I find the color metaphor super inspiring!

[@pwningnewbs]

That's a very useful insight to me, thank you. I also wanted to say that a scale has a dominant interval relationship, so you can think of scales in that way too (like myxolidian and aeolian are "dominated" (if you will) with fifths). and the scale inversion that helps to find accidentals within that key shares that interval between them.

[@amulpatel]

This video is probably one of the most clear and simple explanation of this topic I have found this far... THANK YOU 🙏

[@donosonaumczuk]

I saw a lot of videos about Modes and this one really brings a lot of useful information! Thank you!

[@MaryRose596]

I LOVE you, your explanation is the best I've found out there! I'm literally crying

[@jasonfontaine7072]

So funny, I know all of this but you make me understand it more. Straight to the point and I love the comparison of running through Lydian to Locrian modes, really highlights the "tone" of each mode (dark, bright, happy, etc.). Don't know how this isn't at a million

[@OliKember]

The best video I've seen that tackles this topic. Many thanks!

[@salvo2517]

One of the best video! Modes explained in a very clear way! Many many thanks!!

[@JulianRalphie]

All of your videos are super in-depth and clear. Best of the best 👍

[@2bin]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. This video may be 7 years old (as of writing this in 2023), but it is the most easy-to-understand, basic breakdown of modes that I've seen on KZbin.

[@CarlineFrancois]

Thank you for having this tutorial on modes and modal interchanges. Studying music production and working on adding more interest in my compositions....

[@gjtube37]

Thank you very much! That was a great lesson! This is the first time I understand what modal interchange is. Thanks again!

[@CordeiroViivi]

Finally a video on modal chord progressions that isn't overcomplicated. This helped a lot. Thank you!

[@bswizzle85]

this is EXACTLY what i was looking for!...very clear, to the point, easy to understand....thanks!

[@emery1057]

Thank you for posting that chart I had been looking for my whole life

[@donmegatron79]

Possibly the best explanation I've seen! Thank You!

[@sw247x5]

Awesome explanation, and now it makes more sense seeing actual examples. Much thanks!

[@jeremychamplin1078]

Thank you for this video. Now after years I finally get what modes are all about.

[@arthurchow2336]

finally i find one video that is easy-to-understand, hitting the point, short and comprehensive. RW studio, thank you very much! support your work! : D

[@LoopArtist]

Great video man! Loved that you explain the theory, play it and show examples in real songs. Makes it a lot easier to understand

[@hectordesantiago9500]

Wonderful concise overview of the modes. Outstanding job 👍👊

[@EminoMeneko]

I didn't watch the full course but you're such a good teacher man. You just did summarize the quintessential things I'd love to know all put into interesting infos. I'll still need to read these hundreds of pages but that's very nice to watch your video.

[@tomlopez7819]

Incredibly well done. Thanks for sharing you knowledge.

[@KingStoley.T]

“Your guys knowledge and relate-able presentation is a blessing 🙏🏾”

[@marshall5453]

This is the best explanation of modes i have encountered! Thank you!!!

[@samuelpeckman5698]

I found this video very helpful. This explains very clearly to me how you harmonise a melody written in one of the Modes. Also you explain clearly the characteristic feature of each mode. Thank you very much. Maurice

[@triggerhappy522]

this video is fantastic and very informative . your video has given me the confidence to keep trying to write music. if I could suggest only one thing , it would be to compare the different modes to scales but other than that, I love that you listed all of the chords for each mode and played through them, it gives me a better idea of what the modes sound like. you also included a chart of the chords for each mode which is really helpful. this video has helped me so much and thank you.

[@kristian.tigersoul]

That was actually a great way of explaining something that a lot of educators seem to struggle with getting through in a good way. Thumbs up!

[@Meme4funBr]

Great explanation! For the first time I understand the sevem modes!

[@Digital.asset.creatives]

Best explanation for understanding modes I’ve seen, thank you great job.

[@matthewbateson4880]

Thank you so much for this video. This has just answered so many questions I had regarding this whole topic!

[@anzatzi]

Someone finally explains the relationship between Modes and the Minor and Major scales! I went through 8 videos to find this insght. Thank you!

[@Septimius]

It's terrible insight. The part about modes is correct, but the applied theory on it is shit. If you want to actually understand modes, here are two awesome videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4SbZJmZe816Zqc kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIG6gnZqpcl4mdE

[@iqi616]

@@Septimius "terrible" is a bit harsh considering this video is more accessible than the usual theory babble. However the first video you linked to IS very good and the other has a few good pointers despite the tiny phone-hostile scribbles so thanks for posting.

[@steviegillen82]

I was aware of the 7 different modes...but the modal change has just opened up a piece of knowledge I was never aware of. Excellent vid!!!

[@rabbimjn]

this is an EXCELLENT video on practically applying the modes, and extremely clearly explained well done and bravo

[@jacobjosephgoudreault3114]

This was so helpful! I finally understand where different modes come from. Thankd man!

[@renomtv]

Best explanation on modes yet.. your's is the only one I've found with a chord progression built for playing a mode while the others just use a single chord then play a mode. So it helps when you want to jam along

[@t.k.8265]

Awesome lesson. This opens up so many options when playing.

[@curtpiazza1688]

WOW! Great introduction to this topic....very well explained!!!

[@masoudshokrai5886]

Excellent. Clear and concise and easy to understand. The best tutorial on this subject. Thanks

[@love.5198]

I studied this at college and didn't quite understand it and why it was important, you've explained it perfectly and i'll now be using in my songwriting. Thanks! x

[@momogris6159]

So well and cleverly explained. A whole new world!!!

[@MichaelBLive]

Got #2. Love it! Fast paced is right on. Thanks!

[@SamuelPeckman]

You have made the subject of modes very clear. Thank you so much.

[@bubblebath2892]

This is really brilliant !! you have just taken a major chunk of knowledge and put it in a 10 min vid , Great work !!

[@Maniclout]

This is by far the second best video I've seen on modes

[@SHIFTnopistons]

Definitely the best tutorial on modes I've encountered.

[@sam_vel2]

This was the best video explaining clearly the modes... It's a chance for me improving my music theory skills. Thanks a lot!

[@ProggerPA]

Thank you so much for this video! It has he;ped me understand modes better than any other video or private lesson.

[@sergemoktali7948]

5 years later and a lot of complicated videos and hours of theory just to find this today. Well better later than never, now this concept is crystal clear to me. Thanks a lot

[@shubhamprakashthakre]

I love the way u teach. You make every topic very clear. Anybody can easily understand.

[@amirstewart7557]

This is fantastic......well and truelly explained.....i also love that you also explained the minor modes.....brillant.......love the visuals....

[@lordofstringss]

Fantastic lesson! I feel like I have learned and earned something. Thank you! Keep em coming :)

[@jurikonradi8941]

Most simple and understandable explanation of Modes I've ever seen. Thanks a lot!

[@danielsimon441]

Thank you for this very clear if brief discussion of modes. To me, there's always been an unnecessary air of mystique (possibly due to the greek names?), that you cut thru like butter! Hats off! Look forward to your longer class!

[@kenrichard5]

Absolutely awesomely clear and informative video. Thank you so much!

[@HigherPlanes]

Fantastic lesson on modes. Very clear. Thank you.

[@GeorgeAJSharman]

Great video, nicely put together and good descriptions! :)

[@tee_ef_em]

Fantastic video. Great work!

[@DissonantSynth]

I learned *so much*! An extremely big thank you from me, you are an incredible musician!

[@gruposkandalo1341]

Beautifully explained. Thanks for the shared knowledge.

[@Irbacsnookie]

This video is absolutely fantastic. Hats off. Thank you so much.

[@MarcDLange]

This is an excellent video on understanding the modes. Thank you

[@zkdontplay]

You explain things so clearly love it

[@stevenyoung6415]

Yes! Thank you so much for explaining it so thoroughly!

[@sarahprince539]

Wow! You make something hard so easy to understand. Genius.

[@icarusdjr]

Your videos are incredibly helpful. Subbed! Thanks so much!

[@mriduldebnath5527]

Excellent, very systematic tutorial. I like it bro.

[@rayderrich]

I needed this badly, insta-subbed, thank you very much.

[@jameshouchin5086]

Great work... best explanation I've heard on the subject to date! Thanks! .... And you have a 2 hour version of this topic too!

[@florentinosanchez3969]

Best video ever!! Thank you so much for making it !!!!!

[@deniselias5405]

The first video I found with a good explanation!

[@agrotte]

Clear and concise teaching, thanks and congrat....

[@jakxian3690]

Excellent tutorial - got me up 'n going pretty quick - time to experiment

[@kyleschaub9441]

Excellent video! Keep up the fantastic work

[@hayleycomet8029]

Fantastic video - I thought I fully understood modes but I learned a few new things in this, thank you!!

[@JohnMcGarryMusic]

Thanks , this was so straightforward and also easy to listen to, fair play my guy !

[@halfwaythere333]

Very clear lesson here, thanks!

[@calvelink]

Thanks alot! u cleared my long lasting puzzles btw modes n chords