I ask Frank Gambale about how he teaches Modes

In this episode I ask my friend and fellow guitarist Frank Gambale what his approach to teaching modes is.
Full Interview with Frank: tinyurl.com/2x6dwyj4
Frank's Website: www.frankgambale.com/
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[@khantatat]

It's crazy how Gambale toying around with modes (sorry, moods) sounds 100 times more interesting than a random song on the radio, God bless him

[@mccloysong]

This is where Rick also shines. He knows ALL about everything Frank is saying, yet doesn't interrupt or try to chip in. He lets him completely finish his thoughts. A GREAT interviewer.

[@guslakis]

Thank you Rick for not interrupting Frank as he was going through his explanation, some interviews have too many interruptions, but you are good at letting the other party speak.

[@mikepettengill2706]

so true I was going to comment saying, "You sure know when to shut up Rick." But that makes sense, you don't get a smart and knowledgeable as Rick is without knowing the power of listening, or as wise.

[@milesparker3263]

@@mikepettengill2706 All the people I most respect intellectually and as artists are like Rick in that way -- they always seem more interested in what the other person has to say then what they have to say.

[@DontLetTheOldManIn]

Rick is among the best interviewers out there. Me belief is it’s because he is not only an expert himself but is humble enough to still be a fan and geek out like the rest of us when listening to masters of their craft; respectful enough to the subject and smart enough to not interrupt them as they go deep where the pearls of wisdom & knowledge lie. The opposite of Rick would be Howard Stern. Ha!!

[@DontLetTheOldManIn]

Takes humility to ask someone else a question to which you’ve known the answer for decades, knowing we sometimes need to hear the same message but from another voice actually to hear it.

[@Bruce87W]

Great point and another great video from Rick

[@CHlEFFIN]

He’s almost like a bard… telling a story. What an incredible level of mastery.

[@angusorvid8840]

Because he knows it like the back of his hand. There's not sleight of hand, no witchcraft. He's one of the best communicators not just through the guitar but on the subject of guitar. I went through a number of lousy teachers in the 80s till I discovered Frank's lesson vids on VHS. Mods, No More Mystery really helped me. His understanding of music is intrinsic, deep, and total.

[@kukumuniu5658]

Bard Gambler Frank Gambale

[@thomasnorelli8763]

Hes the most creative musician that I've ever seen. Change just sound that exotic tuning of Is his

[@chrisggoodwin777]

I love how he kept the low E droning for reference through the moods...modes; it really helped show how each one colors the note differently

[@jamessbca]

Eye opening for me. Keep that note prominent as a frame of reference.

[@carsgunsandguitars]

That was really cool for me a well

[@Aurich55]

If you got right what he said, you should be learning about triads and voicing. Lets supose you play a E major triad, than you slide it a whole tone, it should make this E sound like Lydian. You can just take any progression and make it a modal progression. Making a pedal tone is a good choice, but its only a basic exercise.

[@Heaven-dy9lj]

Thought that also.

[@justinbean3694]

Look up Joe Satriani Mode lesson....

[@guitarmemoir]

"Modes No More Mystery" took me from being a crappy guitar player to being a decent musician. Many thanks Frank.

[@kjpetrucci]

I don’t even know the reason why he is not as known as Steve Vai, et al!

[@victoza9232]

@@kjpetrucci Real musicians know who he is.

[@arthurmee]

Ditto.

[@arthurmee]

@@kjpetrucci but Frank was chosen by Chick Corea . . .

[@kjpetrucci]

@@victoza9232 touché! 👍🏽

[@deadmire1976]

Dudes gotta be in the top 10 of all time, he's up there with Becker, Holdsworth, Lane in my books... His knowledge and execution is absolutely sickening. That album on the wall behind him is no joke... The fact we get this lesson in hd on KZbin with no interruptions is badass. Thank you Rick. Thank you Frank.

[@davelouis4004]

Such an incredible player , so much knowledge !

[@Stelly669]

Best Aussie player ever

[@fredrikdegaard8277]

​@@Stelly669bretts pretty good too

[@Stelly669]

@@fredrikdegaard8277 Brett Garsett ? Yes very good

[@mesabman]

Frank is phenomenal! He's definitely in the Top 10, and don't forget about Guthrie Govan who is on a level above 99.9% of players of all time!

[@wonder6789]

8:48 : In all fairness, Andy Summers is the one who needs to be credited for that sound and those chords.

[@Abu_ZzZ]

I love Frank's quote at the end. "It's 3 chords but check out the chords"

[@kickinit333]

I saw Frank in San Diego at a guitar shop in Pacific Beach in the 1980's. He had a handout that described modes and I didn't understand it. Flash forward to my late 40's and I watched his modes video again and I finally got it. There's a saying, when the student is ready, the teacher appears. Thanks Frank!

[@LouisL1963]

I remember seeing Frank do this as part of a masterclass for M.I. London sometime between 1988 & 1990 (I think).

[@ChuckMarteau]

I used to be obsessed with Modes and learned a lot from Frank. I once wrote to him asking him to sign my CD cover ("Thunder From Down Under") which he did. He also kindly answered my question about what was the best way to improvise. He answered that he will simply strum over an E-flat (a scale he had a hard time with himself as he said, if I recall), and just play over it until it sounds good to him. Years later, I saw Frank in Paris, playing with Return To Forever....

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

Frank is so musically literate and it comes across. Well. He has very fortunate students.

[@RM-gm7lu]

Summed it up "Moods"! The man is a MASTER!!! Thanks Rick.

[@noenduringcity]

Ok, so Frank explaining about taking the IV and V chords from each mode's parent scale was the beginning of a life changing moment. I checked out "Modes: No More Mystery" for more info. Amazing!

[@tel5690]

After 20 years of listening to Frank. I always learn something new. Modes are very important to understand. Frank breaks it down simply

[@bilanggoboy]

THANK YOU RICK AND FRANK! This parent IV V over the mode bass lesson was a eureka moment for me! Wow!

[@tomerglottman5783]

Smart, down to earth talented, could listen to him for hours

[@jasonshermandds6034]

Wow, this was a lifetime of lessons in just a few minutes. Amazing. Thank you Rick! Thank you, Frank!

[@deangoritz9625]

Awe man, using that IV to V concept in each mode using same root is very helpful! Dont remember seeing in original interview, thanks again Rick for the nuggets of knowledge

[@alessandromartorelli3929]

My attention got distracted a bit by the right hand of Frank in handling/hiding the pick...he's like a magician!

[@tylerboley1786]

If i was sitting next to Frank like that while he happily lays it down I wouldn’t be able to stop smiling either. Wow. And what a great guitar sound

[@johngatta]

There is another way of seeing modes that I find fascinating. Start with the Lydian (E, for example) - E F# G# A# B C# D# E (every time I say lower a note, it's half step down) - lower the 4th, you get the major scale (Ionic) - lower the 7th, you get Mixolydian - lower the 3rd, you get Doric - lower the 6th, you get Eolian - lower the 2nd, you get Frigian - lower the 5th, you get the infamous Locrian (then lower the 1st and you get D# Lydian, ehehehehehehhe, and you can go on as much as you can :D :D :D ) Since you have to change only one note to move from one mode (or mood) to another, it's easier to appreciate the subtle differences between some of the modes. Using the low E as a base it's very useful. There is also a nice pattern to know which is the next note to lower to move from a mode to another. If you want to know it, ask for it! :D

[@JoseGarcia-eadgbe]

🪄🎸🦅🎶

[@ValirAmaril]

sweet! what's that nice pattern?

[@nomadenview]

Thanks for the information

[@ValirAmaril]

oh right, circle of fourths

[@ValirAmaril]

...and the parent keys are also moving through the circle of fourths. you're right, this IS fascinating!

[@Samurai78420]

Just absolutely incredible. And that tone.

[@evalex71]

Frank Gambale gave the best lesson on the modes I’ve ever seen in his video from the ‘80s

[@JohnHenrySoto]

Rick's face is priceless! He's in heaven seeing this up close!! We're in heaven seeing it on KZbin so I can't imagine what's he feeling. :) Love this channel!

[@Chord_The_Seeker]

In this short video, playing simple things, Frank shows his mastery of the guitar, and theory, in how smoothly and confidently he flows through everything. There is a saying in Japanese that basically goes a true master shows it in his every move. Frank is the perfect embodiment of that.

[@Molt408]

I went to GIT in 1987 mostly because of this great man.

[@johnrapone4891]

There’s definitely something going on here. I’m sure of it. I’m looking forward to coming back in a few years and understanding a little of what Frank is talking about 🤯

[@neilgoldberg2132]

so well demonstrated using modes starting on E, brilliantly demonstrates the "moods" and frank is not from this planet! so incredible!

[@bigsauce1116]

Rick is a model interviewer imo. One of the most important people in this community

[@ronedee]

Frank is a brilliant teacher! If I were his student, I would just sit there mesmerized listening to him noodle! A creative genius, who can actually describe his technical process.

[@straycat7247]

Especially "who can actually describe his technical process". So many can do it and at heart it just came naturally to them but they cannot communicate it!

[@KraussEMUS1]

I was lucky enough to take some lessons from Frank and from Paul Gilbert at GIT in the 80s. People were completely blown away by Frank's speed picking and by Paul's pull off abilities!

[@mgogo6921]

This is the best video I have ever seen! Rick and Frank, TY!

[@tonyqunta32]

Frank is without doubt one of the world's greatest musicians and has humility too! Of course his soloing is phenomenal but what beutiful exquisite chordal work too!

[@hamacaboy]

Rick is such an amazing interviewer, he really gets the gold

[@basslobster]

Two wise men who knows how to lead the way. And Gambale man, he's soooo good ❤

[@richardhunt809]

I bought a copy of Modes No More Mystery back in the 90s and it really helped to clarify the different moods of the modes for me. I used to make little 2-chord backing tracks on my old 4-track cassette recorder and just noodle about up and down the fretboard over them. I used to play in awkward keys like Eb Dorian or C# locrian or whatever unfamiliar stuff I could think of. It was great fun and it taught me loads. Thank you, Frank.

[@kmanick107]

Franks "Modes" DVD was a game changer for me, should be required watching for all guitarists

[@sholland42]

Frank’s playing is out of this world.

[@RickydeCamargo]

This is a video that worths 1M dollars !!! What amazing musicians Frank is

[@AnthonyElsetinow]

Rick is coolest dude … I know he feels great interviewing many of the greats.

[@dustinlaferney3160]

I'm a classically trained pianist. I have learned more music theory from internet guitarists than I did from years of conservatory. This dude is an incredible musician, and a great teacher.

[@TheArc37]

When it clicks, your world opens up and you find that awe again.

[@milesparker3263]

This is one of the best musical explanations I've heard, and definetely the best on explaning modes/moods. Frank's stuedents are very lucky to have him.

[@curtisprice9806]

FRANK IS EXCELLENT AT TEACHING AND HIS ULTIMATE GUITAR WORKOUT VIDEO WILL TAKE YOU TO YNGWIE LEVEL....OUTSTANDING VIDEO!!! ❤ ❤

[@jcsydney4763]

I met Frank at Sydney airport many years ago. Nicest guy you would want to meet. Was strange how I was standing talking to Frank and basically no one around me knew we were in the presence of a living legend. He is the king

[@bniwa]

Rick, you look giddy as a kid listening to this guy. I'm right there with ya bud. What an eye opening and entertaining episode. Thanks!

[@atquinn1975]

I've been playing for decades and this is the best explanation of this I've ever heard. Not suprising of course. Not all monster players are monster teachers, but Frank certainly is among that group!

[@alessiograziani6355]

These 9 minutes are one of the best music course on KZbin

[@johndcoffee632]

Frank really has a way of bringing the colours of the modes to life and how to practice them. Amazing stuff from the master himself

[@enricomarconi8358]

It’s great seeing two Italians speaking the same language… (music). Frank I love your playing man.

[@Imokyourok440]

I had a Guitar Player magazine in the 80’s that came with a floppy record that had Frank demonstrating modes on it. My first mode lesson!

[@rayjr62]

Frank is right. Those three "Police" chords are from "When the World is Running Down, You Make the Best of What's Still Around" and they are (if memory serves me) C9 sus, D9 sus and E minor 7. Basic, yet very melodic and (at the time I first heard that song) quite thought provoking. Thanks for posting this gem of an interview, Rick. Awesome stuff.

[@tomrichard2252]

Just watched his old modes video. Thank him for me. It was the first time I got it, and how much work I've got left.

[@localbod]

What a really enjoyable interview. Frank Gambale's playing and knowledge are inspirational. What a musician.

[@jimmyc5498]

Easily one of the most requested, misunderstood and important topics out there. You and Gambale do a great job with it as always. My humble two cents before I watch this one. Most guitar players don’t get that all the notes of a C major scale are chord tone or extensions of all the chords of the key ( Dm7, G7, FM7#11, etc) even diatonic 4th chords are all extensions or chord tones over all chords of the key. Bass root notes, tempo, all factor into deciding chord tones and passing tones, beginning and ending notes of phrases. Modes can simply be alternate fingerings of a C scale or other applications. Thanks for what you do every day.

[@wadesharp11]

Franks playing is fantastic right from the start! Love u frank ❤

[@timhughes1327]

Thanks for the continuity and lack of interruptions . 😊👍

[@nancydevolder4433]

Apart from being an extraordinary musician Frank is an extraordinary teacher as well. Very rare.

[@bentolleson2585]

It's crazy how much sense this guy makes

[@latexgeneration]

These types of lessons where you get to hear different perspectives makes things so much easier to understand. Amazing content.

[@sanfordsanford295]

Gambales tone is stunning I love how he attacks the guitar

[@AJMjazz]

This is probably the best method to learn the "sound" of modes and their application in context.

[@JiriPrajzner]

am glad i figured this out myself, bc i wanted to hear the actual moods of modes, not just the typical "it's the same, but starting on different note"

[@duanewilson3941]

I'm always blown away by Frank, I just shake my head when I hear him. And that tune by Sting (Police), there's pretty much only one guy in the world that can sing that tune.

[@Metalfreak327]

What's the name of that sting/police tune ?

[@duanewilson3941]

@@Metalfreak327 When the world is running down by the Police.

[@Jmdeclue]

It is when you get into the chordal structure that it makes more sense, at least it did for me.

[@paulrai6813]

Frank can play any genres He is great theoretically and technically

[@MrTkeddo]

I had the honour of seeing him play live with the late great Chick Corea and the Elektic band ,what a amazing player he is.

[@baladeva777]

Explaining that modes are more of a mood makes entire sense. Just that little expression sinks the understanding a little deeper. The eureka moment is almost near! Ha! It’s also very inspiring to see how focused and concentrated Rick is while listening to Frank even though he already knows his stuff as well. Inspiring…Much Respect and Always Appreciated 🙏🏽🎼💓

[@arthurgoncalveslima4879]

I saw dozens of YT video regarding modes. Failed to understand each one of them. Started classes with a jazz guitarist and friend. He explained the same way, or almost, as Frank does in the video. My guitar life changed. That's very helpful!

[@JonGrimson]

In the early 80's I was at BIT same year Frank was there...as a student!! I was like god help me if the students were all that good! He already was as great as he is then.

[@FernandoBasso]

When I was 17 we would have a copy of a copy of a copy of a copy of a copy of these amazing guitar players on VHS. Nowadays **anyone** can get a piece of their minds anywhere, anytime, in videos like this one!

[@reelworldmusicproductions2679]

I bought Modes No More Mystery going back 20 years ago and I agree he was the only person to get through to me to understand them correctly and in their proper context. I am forever grateful!!

[@m.vonhollen6673]

1) Ionian: the major scale 2) Dorian: b3, b7. 3) Phrygian: b2, b3, b6, b7 4) Lydian: #4 5) Mixolydian: b7 6) Aolian: b3, b6, b7 7) Locrian: b2, b3, b5, b6, b7 - 3 of those modes will work over a Major triad, 3 of them will work over a Minor triad, and 1 of them will work over a Diminished triad.

[@jackturner3721]

I lived in Los Angeles in the 90's, and keyboardist Kai Agagi(whom I had seen in concert with Al Dimeola in Baltimore a few years earlier) was playing a gig at this hotel in W.Hollywood? So I'm there waiting and started talking with this guy, did'nt know who he was very nice man concert starts and we sit at the table I did'nt even know who Frank Gambale was then? lol Years later I realized I was carrying on with this humble giant and great, the Frank Gambale. wonderful human being, never ego tripped, (dont you know I am?) Super guy and bad man!

[@georgerichardson7728]

This just blew my mind, I was more confused than ever until i tried it, I guess it all makes sense now, thank you rick and frank, I've never seen anyone teach modes like this, and it makes improvisation just take off, almost like the guitar is playing itself, if you know the major scale.

[@BenMcrea61]

Thanks Rick for this amazing little reminder of how Frank taught and still teaches the modes.

[@HarlanHarvey76]

Frank has been a giant inspiration to my playing and I'm a whole generation away. I started playing in the 90s. I didn't get into Frank until the 2010s and my playing never got so much better since I first started playing. In fact, I feel like there have been 2 main phases in my playing. Pre Gambale influenced and Post Gambale influenced. I just wish I would have been introduced earlier. Thanks Frank!

[@procyon6445]

They way Rick's looking at Frank reminds me a lot of me and my guitar teacher. Whenever he starts playing some incredible shit i've never heard before in my life i can't help but just smile.

[@shaunmcinnis566]

Frank is the master like no other. He is proof that knowledge is power. What a gift this man is the music.

[@NesconProductions]

Saw Frank as a member of RTF2 (replacing Al DiMeola) and also included violist Jean Luc Ponte. Both added their own unique flavor to the Return To Forever material & a stands out in my mind as one of the best shows I ever saw. Can't say enough how Rick has been able to pin down some of my favorite musical artist (that are still living..) for serious musical interviews when most such on mainstream media are fluff & often uncomfortable to watch :-P. The artist Rick interviews all have smiles on their faces for they have the unique opportunity to demonstrate their trade at a much deeper level. From a viewer perspective don't even have to be a musician to appreciate. One of the few 'silver linings' to COVID (& I'm working in ICU this weekend). TYVM Rick & tc all!

[@JimmyWatfordGuitar]

Whoa! The ball just dropped. Thank you both.

[@jerrymckenzie1858]

Here's a simple way to look at some of the modes that will help most players play the most common music styles: Most people already know Major (Ionian) and Minor (Aeolian). Take tha Major scale and lower the 7th 1/2 step - now you know Mixolydian. Take the Natural Minor scale and raise the 6th 1/2 step - now you know Dorian (and 4 of the 7 modes)! Hope this helps.

[@Louis-dk2mj]

An easy way to think about it is to focus on the intervals unique to each mode. For example in Dorian you’d want to feature the minor third and and major sixth, Lydian the sharp fourth and major seventh

[@pitpride1220]

I was lost on this coming in. Still a bit lost, but I see the light. That's the value of watching it multiple times.

[@2GroundControl]

I think this is an honest and humble comment. I was wondering if Rick ( a much better teacher IMHO) would be willing to do a follow up in his own words and fashion. For example the "soft" concept of moods instead of modes is entertaining but not instructive. It came up in the conversation just as Frank was getting to the "hard" point. De-railed the lesson. I am already comfortable with practicing modes but always interested and curious on how players use modes to guide their own improvisation. I did not get that from this discussion. I enjoyed it immensely though 😉.

[@justincoulter4458]

I really enjoyed listening to Frank. Very knowledgeable and a great guy too !

[@mannijimenezmusic]

I finally got it😮. Mind Blown. 🤯 . Thank You Rick and Frank.

[@orpheus1340]

Rick looking like a child with stars in his eyes is a sight to see! Thanks both of you for that wonderful insight.

[@TheRealHucasys]

When he was younger with Chick Corea and all that era, I used to not like him so much, not his playing, but felt he had like an attitude or something, just prejudice of course since I never really met him. Anyways, in all the interviews I've seen from the last few years he seems so chill and wise, and his playing has gotten even more awesome, his dynamics, just great. And a great interview, of course, as usual from Rick.

[@jonRboy]

I have found Frank's teaching of modes very helpful. I went through his 'Modes No More Mystery' DVD awhile back; very helpful. His methodology as he discussed is really helpful. He has the student keep the same tone center....say E and go through the modes with E as the tone center. E Ionion (major scale), E Dorian, E Phrygian, etc. Most other people present the material a different way as Frank points out. They don't lock down the tone center: E Ionian, F# Dorian, G# Phrygian...so in this way the student is always playing the notes of the E major scale, but merely starting and ending on a different note. Frank's way of presenting the material is superior. He locks down the tone center and cycles through the modes with the tone center as a constant.

[@azzuro195]

Thank you Rick for letting FG speak, and for asking right questions.... "how about melodic majnor? - THE SAME" (jumping into Bond theme so easily)..great stuff dude :)

[@ManfredElsingBielefeld]

Frank is the master;he did spectaculat things in the past,realy;thank you both!

[@theIpatix]

OMG YES, I remember this was the way I finally understood modes. I get that modes are explained as a simple major scale with all the different root notes (I mean, that's how they are related), but I found the differences only really becoming audible once you use the same root note since your "short time pitch memory thingy" actually notices which tones are different and make up the different moods.

[@andyshaughnessy1520]

I almost kind of understand it now. I did all of Frank's lessons in the guitar magazines in the '90s and it really helped.

[@Polentaccio]

Dorian.. the sound of Michael Schenker wrapped up in a nice little modal box.

[@manny75586]

Frank is such a great player. This demonstration just makes the topic of modes all the more clear.

[@centerstageconnection6975]

So much love for FG, his work with Vital Information peeled my brain open and made a mess on the living room floor….

[@prabathwijesinghe7379]

Yes, this video sums it all up perfectly. It should indeed be called "Moods" Great video Rick!!

[@brentpreppernau1304]

Love how Frank was thinking about how to make this topic approachable for mere mortals. I - lV - V triads; how simple and useful is that to incorporate modes? Thanks Rick! Never fail to get at least one nugget I can use from your videos.