Learn your MODES on the piano to help your improvise | Learn all 7 Major Scale Modes

In this video we will learn how to find and use the 7 Modes of the Major Scale: Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian. Today's lesson is heavy on the theory and will cover the following sections:
***Intro to modes***
0:06 Acroynms to remember the Modes of the Major Scale
1:20 The 2 things you need in order to understand Modes
2:06 Naming the Seven Modes
***Finding the rules for modes***
3:27 How to Use the Modes to help establish improvisation rules
3:50 Dorian Mode Rule
5:47 Phrygian Mode Rule
6:50 Lydian Mode Rule
7:47 Mixolydian Mode Rule
8:06 Aeolian Mode Rule
9:00 Locrian Mode Rule
***Using modes practically***
10:42 Use Dorian mode for Minor7 chords
12:23 Use Phrygian mode for Minor7 chords
13:25 Use Lydian mode to represent 2 triads one whole step apart
15:41 Use the Mixolydian mode with Dominant 7 chords
16:56 Use the Aeolian mode with Minor chords
17:13 Use the Locrian Mode with Half-Diminished chords (min7b5)
**please note the video does not mention what to use with Major 7 chords, and that would be the Ionian Mode or the Major Scale
***Links and resources***
You can download a checklist of over 21 modes here for FREE seanwilsonpian...
Check out my website here: hseanwilsonpian...

[@RXHMND]

Sir you have made me laugh with that abbreviation. Thanks for this!

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Lol..Yessirrrr!

[@gregwest1441]

This straight forward explanation of how the mode scales are constructed was very helpful. Another mnemonic for the mode names is: I Don't Play Loud Music At Lunch. Thanks.

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Glad it was helpful!

[@c-lomx9008]

You made this that child could understand it, thanks

[@RossfromRosebank]

Thanks from South Africa 🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷

[@rachadselkridge764]

Man!!! This confirms everything I discovered with modes a few nights ago. I sat down, worked out and made sense of all this, having never studied modes before. This is awesome👏🏾👏🏾

[@Call_mhe_dt]

I gave up on modes a long time ago But with this my eyes have finally opened I've broken that barrier 💪 Thanks so much Sean⁦♥️⁩⁦♥️⁩

[@DESIGNS-vo1mt]

Hands down the best explanation EVER. Now I've just gotta get them to memory

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

That’s it man!!

[@edburl3516]

The way you connect the elements of this topic is genius. It paints a picture in the mind that can be used as a first step to the more complex topics in music. Keep bringing this valuable, and creative approach to an understanding of music.

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Appreciate the kind words, man! Glad you found it helpful.

[@Iduininane]

Oh my God! Wow! Best way to finally make me understand modes. I never thought I would understand it.

[@thebod1]

This video made me understand modes in an easier way. I saw it as layering the characteristics of a mode onto the scale with it's flats. Great video, you are an excellent teacher and player!

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Appreciate man, thanks!!

[@alamolalamol9426]

Love your humour at the start about what can at times appear a complex topic!

[@lazhen]

Such an excellent comprehensible description and explanation of quite an elusive musical idea, theory which has escaped the grasp of many including myself...until now. I shall watch the video again😄 I do plan loving modes a lot. Thanks Mr. Wilson. God bless you!😎

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Wow, thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stilliving]

I love how Sean finds himself amusing 😄

[@NobodyHereFriends]

You had me at your mnemonic devices ✨. PS: Chordie App for the win!

[@alexsiuwh]

Best mode and its application course from the ground up!... Clear as crystal!. Thanks for making this valuable tutorial

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Thanks Alex!

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Thanks Alex!

[@sweettee1931]

I love the "mnemonics" that you used! Helps to remember the modes!!

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Yep!! Thanks!

[@TranceCore3]

yeah I gotta steal that one

[@-imkon-8557]

Exactly what I needed to decipher this mystery 🔥....thanks for this fantastic lesson Sean!

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Yessir man, thanks!

[@bobbylwilliams]

Yessahhh a freakin light bulb just went off in my 🧠thanks professor lol

[@abenakelilahmarfo2087]

I have seen the light!! Thanks, Sean! This was truly an eye opener 😄

[@KelvinNjokiOfficial]

Sean you are the 🐐.. You've made me see song melodies differently! It's easier to create more voicings when Someone understands modes. Thank you!!!

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

yeah man, they're just natural, thanks for the comment

[@leoroy7118]

Im glad somehow i slip in to this video, great work, crearly explained. Thanks man.

[@300cubits]

Thank you! You are blessed with both musical talent and gift of teaching. I really enjoyed it.

[@mohsanrasool]

Amazing video! Never understood the modes and the approach as good until now! Thank you!!!

[@StarryBTV]

This is by far the greatest explanation I've ever heard! 👏 well done prof!

[@MsKikiDivine314]

Wow!!!! I feel so blessed to have found your video!!! You are the best teacher EVER EVER EVER!!!

[@CreatedToWorship423]

Great explanations ever, brother and very insightful. May God continues to increase you in knowledge to continue being a blessing for many.

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Appreciate it, thanks!

[@2002jorgeparr]

This FANTASTIC ☺️. THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH SIR!!!!

[@puppydogdavis]

This is GOLD!!!! Thanks!

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

just remember keep growing doc, If Dwayne Plays Like Me, All is Lost 😎, cough

[@billmalandorcely5993]

This is incredible, you're an amazing teacher Sean!!! Thank you!!!!!!

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Thanks so much man, and thanks for the comment!!

[@WanaruaMusic]

I loved this. Thank you Sir 🙏🏽

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

You are very welcome

[@richiebarr7987]

Ur a great teacher-- love your tutorials-- u nicely explain your lesson then u slowly demonstrate on the piano how to play it whereas I find most teachers just FLY through the piano playing part which loses the students n I find that extremely frustrating--- ( I DON'T PARTICULARLY LIKE MODES A LOT ) a great acronym -- u mk.learning the various modes fun -- then u show us how to use them-- love your tutorials please keep being them n I'll continue to learn n progress tyvm 🤗🙃

[@BlessedOne686]

Wow!! This video is the best explanation of modes.

[@joshu3392]

This is very eye opening modes, thanks Sean

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Yeah man, thanks!!

[@richiebarr7987]

Love your tutorials-- ur a great teacher-- u nicely explain things -- then u slowly show/ demonstrate on the keyboard what u just explained-- I love how u keep in mind ur teaching new students-- many tutorials the instructor just flys through the piano playing part demonstrations which totally loses the students -- u mk.learning all these various modes fun !! ( I DON'T PARTICULARLY LIKE MODES A LOT ) a fantastic acronym!! Thank you so very much for these wonderful tutorials-- keep them coming 🤗🙃

[@jcavnimbus]

Also you need to do more of these types of videos you teach perfectly for me.

[@Joanna-kx1oy]

You broke this down so well. Thank u!!!

[@solomonwangi]

The best video on modes. Thanks Sean!

[@wantfnjones]

This video is very helpful big dawg. Thanks 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Appreciate it man! Thanks

[@JayPine1357]

This is the best explanation of modes I’ve seen! I finally get it! Definitely subbing

[@74thstreet]

Awesome job explaining the abstract thank you

[@mahlonstrachan8075]

Bro...you don't know how much this has helped me to understand modes...thanks much and keep up the good work

[@jorcilamoh6829]

Man you’re such a blessing

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Appreciate it thanks!

[@perry1309]

Thanks Sean, this makes so much sense. Fantastic tutorial 👌

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MrArizona655]

like your style...good video. Thanks!

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Thanks man!! Appreciate it!

[@JohnsonkeyzMusicAcademy]

Awesome awesome

[@DerekD026]

Great video.Man, you are so appreciated and I personally thank you for sharing the wisdom

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

I appreciate that doc, thanks!

[@Arael4]

I am a bass player who's benefiting from your teachings and applications. thank you so much Sir!

[@garynicolson9341]

This was the best explanation on modes. The examples explained a lot thanks

[@Eric-pu7lp]

wow you explained this so perfectly

[@BK_Vybez]

You're doing real great. Thanks for always helping us

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

My pleasure man, thanks!

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

I am getting better with modes. They are very helpful. I try to say their names often.

[@bobjohnson7441]

Nice. Love your approach in general.

[@mightyfigaro3566]

You are one of the best tutors Sean amazing work Sir🔥🤗

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Appreciate it man!

[@2002jorgeparr]

Awesome 😎 THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!

[@Bimluva72]

I can honestly say this has been very helpful in putting things together in my head. I understood the basic concept of modes but something clicked during this session/video. Essentially if you know what the sharps or flats are on that note’s major scale you flatten or sharpen them to get the mode. So D major scale has two sharps, F&C sharp so to get D Dorian mode I flatten the F&C (3rd and 7th) notes.

[@Drewman3387]

Thanks I was having trouble understanding mode you made it very simple and very understanding thank you

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Thanks so much!

[@mikek.629]

Thanks!

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Wow, just seeing this!! 🤦🏾‍♂️ Appreciate you!

[@erz5196]

best explanation ever ....thank you so much!

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Yeah man!

[@yungvtheproblem]

Great explanation man! This helped me out A LOT ‼️🙏🏾

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Thanks man, appreciate taking the time to comment bro!!

[@emmanuelcs9976]

Years trying to understand that!! thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

well let's celebrate: I Dig Pizza, Let's Make A Large.... cough

[@KleephKeys]

Yoooooo🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Im loving this broooo🔥🔥🔥 could never get these down 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 i just learned them in 20mn😭😭🔥✊🏿🙏🏾

[@2002jorgeparr]

. AWESOME 👍😎😎😎 THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!!!

[@adamhrehorowicz4625]

Great and thanks, for me this is the best explanation ever👌😍

[@dalitsobotha7932]

Great video. Please do more videos on modes.

[@kaytutu8487]

Thanks Doc, I like your Acronyms it’s great

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

yeah well, [I don't party like Mom and Lenny]... cough..... I had time to create some

[@TrainFlood]

Dude amazing.

[@thisperson6146]

Love this Sean for making this complicated subject EASY.

[@ahveekhy]

Excellent explanation!!! Now I've finally got it...Thanks for sharing:)

[@dwilks121685]

Dope lesson bro really helped me out!!

[@louseiler8384]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@hrkeys1494]

Man you are the best❤

[@jaykahuri9106]

This has helped me a lot. Thankyou!!!

[@88KeysMan]

Modes took me a long time to grasp, but when I got it, it just makes sense to me.

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Yeah, i only heard of them a year before i started my channel. People made it way more complicated than necessary tho

[@modenelalivintrumpet9585]

sean is definitely the best

[@saint_dreamm]

You're fantastic. Can't wait to practice

[@malcolmsounds645]

This is crazy!! Thank you!

[@AlbertAngmor]

Who liked before watching?

[@insertnamehere9154]

Always😊

[@JohnGwan]

100% I did

[@88KeysMan]

I almost always do. You know any of Sean’s vids are good.

[@edinatl2008]

I liked at the nmemonic :D

[@Jesus_is_GOD_nodoubt]

me

[@francisolusesi7986]

Wonderful lesson sean

[@mwehulwamba3461]

We really appreciate ❤

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Appreciate it man!!

[@oyeyemioyelere9193]

Great explanation bro!

[@AMAZING_INSIGHTS776]

Great Sean!! Amazing

[@jacksonamaral329]

good. i enjoyed it a lot.

[@shalixmusic7280]

Wow thanks for the knowledge shared 🎹👌 best Teacher now I found you 🕺 I already SUBSCRIBED

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Appreciate it man, thanks for watching!

[@shalixmusic7280]

Sean Wilson Piano thanks Again, I have a small request WILL YOU TEACH US PLAYING A SONG IN STAGES,from beginner level to Advanced/alternatives of chords you can use on a melody sang. Thanks I hope you will attend to this 🙂🎹

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

I’ve done that already... search “give thanks” on my channel

[@Wibgloria]

💪🏼

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Appreciate the support!!

[@prophecycampbell5133]

Pls would like you to do a part 2 of this video tutorial on modes there’s a lot I need to learn and understand thanx

[@joanjohnstone7241]

Hi Sean, You make me laugh - but anyway, thank you for the tutorials - they are really helpful and instructive. Best wishes, Joan. (UK)😍

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Glad it was helpful!

[@samuelsalami4023]

Thanks my guy

[@normanspurgeon5324]

Presenting the modes in the context of a chord progression is helpful- "alone together" or "Yesterdays" both have a tonic, 2 to 5 chord progression in a minor key. The locrian mode is audible- it is unavoidable to the listener or player. If playing these in A minor, the aolian mode also clearly heard in the 1st chord. The dominant, then needs a few required notes (e7th )

[@abosedecaleb5682]

Welldone sir From the Cmin7b 5 I can see a F#major6b5 chord which is one of my best chords thanks a lot that means I can also u this same mode when I am on any major6b5 chord

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Nice man!!

[@christopherstewart1778]

This help a lot

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Glad it was helpful!

[@keysbythenumbers]

Sean, can you do a video on grace notes and grace note placement

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

That would be more of a "feel" video, but i can check

[@michaeljohnson5081]

Oh man Sean !! Very informative and Thanks. Curious on one thing. Do you change modes, or can you change modes in a song once you’ve started using a mode in that song? Does that make sense ? LOL!! I’m sure I’ll understand it more as I start using modes. I mean, I’ve been playing now for 60 years, it’s time to teach this old dog ... ya know 😃

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Yes not only can you change modes multiple times In a song. It’s based on what I play in left hand

[@drayvaughn357]

I feel my help coming on

[@brathajoe1]

This helps....thanks!

[@MusiqExpress]

Great video and acronym bro! Lol

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

thanks man!!!

[@williamfehervari]

Thanks for this video! Clarifies a lot. However I still have a silly question. When do you change modes? Or do you stay in 1 mode throughout the song? Because I see you changing chords etc. within the same mode - but still staying in that mode

[@mollykeyzz8330]

pls can you do more examples to make it really sink in as every mode.........call it part 2......thanks l have spent almost 3yrs trying to make sense about the mode

[@eboyeman8457]

Can I steal your ears sean? They are too good 😆

[@HenryArko]

Sound far better. Massive difference

[@the_real_nathankaluba]

Yooooooooo. You so clever 😁

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Thanks so much for the support!!

[@kingg7457]

Its genius of you to highlight the role/ note of the key of each mode in orange. Why? Because the I ii iii IV V vi vii* I scale degrees reveal the chord types that work best with each mode based off of the scale degree within a given key.

[@SeanWilsonPiano]

Yeah man! Thanks for watching!