Modal Chord Progressions : The Ultimate Guide

[@WriteASong]

Add something different to your chord progressions kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGjaqZmjgs95o7c

[@cuico2008]

Thanks!

[@WriteASong]

You're very welcome, thank you for the support!

[@Mr.Batsu12]

For those who are new to modes there are multiple ways to describe them but I find the easiest way to understand the modes is that they are all the Major scale. You just change which note in the Major scale is the root note to change the scale. Let's start with a C Major scale (no sharps or flats). These same notes are the same for the following modes: 1) C Ionian (Major scale) 2) D Dorian 3) E Phrygian 4) F Lydian 5) G Mixolydian 6) A Aeolian (minor scale) 7) B Locrian NOTE: Ionian is the mode name for a major scale. Aeolian is the mode name for a minor scale. So if you want to play in G Mixolydian you can simply plat the C Major scale notes but focus on making the note G your tonic (root) note. What if you want to play A Dorian? Since Dorian is the 2nd mode find the scale where A is the 2nd note in the Major scale. That's the G Major scale, so play the G Major scale pattern while concentrating on making the note A the tonic (home) and you have the A Dorian node. What if you want to play F# Locrian? Well, first off - don't. :D Locrian is a very difficult mode to use and still sound pleasing but figuring out how to play Locrian it is no different. What Major scale has F# as the 7th note? That's the G Major scale. A great way to practice these modes are to look up backing tracks on youtube. These are simply songs in specific keys/modes that have no melody line so you can easily solo over them. Just search for something like "Mixolydian Backing Track" or more specifically "D Dorian Backing Track". There are thousands of these to pick from and are a fun way to get used to quickly getting familiar with playing in each of these modes. After becoming more familiar with them it pays to remember what the different modes sound like and even what notes in each mode have a strong impact or make those modes more unique. Like the Phrygian mode having a b2 note or the 4th note in Lydian being very important as it's the one note that's different from the Major scale it's based on.

[@WriteASong]

This is great information for an alternative approach to modes, thanks for sharing!

[@seanmullen6688]

@@WriteASong I like your explanation better … as it focuses on the intervalic uniqueness of each mode … yes for guitar the fingering patterns for c Ionian and d Dorian might be the piano equivalent of all white keys but so what ?? it doesn’t tell you what are the unique notes of Dorian the 6th as cite or for that matter the chromatic colouring notes for each mode … what I mean by that is c# is an approach note widely used in jazz for D Dorian but less so in C Ionian … Even a guy like Joe Pass who is not a modalist plays off the unique shape and sound of the chord shape under his hands in say a II - V unless if it’s really fast rhythm changes … Mike Stern was of the same view … see the common patterns but don’t convert say Ab Dorian from Gb major … no time if your playing real time …. IMO

[@PavanKumar-ek1ky]

Bro 👏, Thank you so much for sharing knowledge … I was confused on modes but your comment made it clear.

[@chasjazzz]

This is music class. Mandatory studying. Do not past Go until you watch and understand this video, it will help your playing and writing Guaranteed. Thank you so much!

[@WriteASong]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@Chimp_No_1]

Incredibly interesting and helpful ! Thank you so much for sharing !

[@WriteASong]

You're welcome!

[@cluelessbaj9563]

this is honestly my favorite music theory creator. explain stuff simple, but effective

[@WriteASong]

Thanks!

[@l.romain6447]

Thanks!

[@WriteASong]

Thank you for the support!

[@d.k.1465]

21:25 Love it! 46:37

[@RangKlos]

This is gold, my friends. Pure gold! Thx a million!

[@WriteASong]

Thank you!

[@emilkalinin5186]

I cannot find words to express how I am impressed by the work you do for people. I have been trying to understand this aspect of the music theory for so long because all the explanations I had before were either too long or too 'overweight' in case of understanding, and you explained everything easily and simply in practically one hour. THANK YOU SO MUCH! :) God bless you for your generosity and hard work!

[@WriteASong]

Thank you! You're very welcome!

[@itso999]

Wow, this is the best. I've been making my way through this lesson for about a week now and it's been fantastic. Still, ways to go but this is like a whole semester of music theory in one video! Thank you!

[@WriteASong]

You're welcome, I'm glad you're enjoying the video!

[@jalakarvad]

Wow thank you sooo much. I was so confused about modes, because all videos explain them through "scale" but we need chords under scale to feel the mode.

[@WriteASong]

You're very welcome!

[@dannysp664]

Sending this to anyone who asks me about modes. This covers absolutely everything you could want in such an easily digestible way. Kudos to you!

[@WriteASong]

Thanks, I'm glad the video has helped you!

[@pintola1]

I shared this vid with all my friends. The way you teach is outstanding. This is the best channel in the history of youtube. Many thanks. 🎹

[@WriteASong]

Thanks for sharing, glad you enjoyed it!

[@doodle_pug]

There are hand full of videos i've watched that have blown my mind in terms of music theory and this video is definitely probably best one that tops them all!

[@WriteASong]

Thanks!

[@thecovercrush]

Nice lesson. I learnt the same concept from a rick beato video feat. frank gambale where frank stresses on playing just the 1 4 5 of each mode (including harmonic minor) to bring out the mood / flavour of that mode. Your lesson explores it in more details. Nicely done.

[@WriteASong]

Yes I've seen that video, it is very helpful. Thanks for the kind comment!

[@sorenhd66]

This the best explanation about modes.thank you

[@WriteASong]

You are welcome!

[@RockerProf]

This video is absolutely brilliant. I have been studying modes and this video unifies so many of the loose ends that have been floating around in my brain. It all makes sense now. Thank you so much for doing this video. Your chord sequence rifs are super helpful.

[@WriteASong]

You're welcome Anne, I'm glad the video helped you!

[@balbino4]

Very very very very good! Thank you very much!

[@WriteASong]

You're welcome, I'm glad it was helpful!

[@jjdhhh]

¡Gracias!.Nice and well explained.Enjoyed it!

[@WriteASong]

Thank you for the support! I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@ChrisMuellerMusic]

Very useful video. Thanks. I spotted an error in the mixolydian part of the video, though. From 38:48 onwards the screen displays C Mixolydian correctly BUT the piano plays C Lydian instead of C Mixolydian. That confused me momentarily.

[@WriteASong]

Thanks, yes I'm aware of the mistake. Will hopefully be able to put up a correction soon.

[@jayluvsmaiden8201]

Thanks so much for this lesson. You have made this so clear to me now. I have been struggling with the modes for a long time, but your video removed all doubts. Of course I have to watch this video many times to learn to use the modes in my songs, but at least I have a path that I can walk on. You are brilliant! I am really grateful to you!

[@WriteASong]

You're very welcome, I'm glad you find the video so helpful! Good luck with your songwriting!

[@leemus1966]

You just got a new subscriber! Thank you for doing what you do!

[@WriteASong]

Thanks for the sub!

[@ОлегТеркин-я2ъ]

Very useful video, thank you.

[@WriteASong]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jorgeparr3002]

Awesome 🎉 THANK YOU SO MUCH SIR 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@WriteASong]

You are welcome!

[@dannuttle9005]

I feel like the pledge in "Animal House" when he gazes at his thumb and says, "So you mean, there could be like a whole other universe under my thumbnail?"

[@MrJeremyWeeks]

Great video! Even Rick Beato couldn’t explain modes to me!

[@WriteASong]

Thanks, that's high praise!

[@dionysus1992]

Thank you! Very helpful

[@WriteASong]

You're welcome!

[@Joey0367]

This is one of the best, most informative videos I’ve seen in quite a while pertaining to music theory. Thank you so much!

[@WriteASong]

You're very welcome!

[@leswhiteman7347]

Great explanation

[@WriteASong]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Archangel_Michaels]

Thank you so much for sharing all your hard work, music is a gift of God and you are one of the very few people on KZbin that actually knows what they are talking about, outstanding. ! Like ps What software did you use to create your animations? Thanks!

[@WriteASong]

You're welcome! I use Hookpad to make my chord animations. Here's a video I made about it : kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6i0qYypi9WCp5Y

[@DrDAAD]

Well, I know I am...wrong but for me the best way that works is this: While using a C "pedal" I am just looking for all the major scales that contain the note "C" on it. So, I am using the cycle of fifths. Up, first: G major scale contains the note C. I will than play the G major scale but starting from C note. So, I am getting the lydian mode. Going up further from G there is no more Major scales containing C note. So, down : F Major. Starting from C note will be the Mixolydian mode. Further, Bb Major played from C will be Dorian mode etc. As wrong as this might be, for me is still easier than thinking tones and halftones in different order. Just my way of "solving the problem".... ;) Great video though! It explains everything we need to know to have "no more secrets" about modes. Thank you! :)

[@WriteASong]

That's an interesting approach, nothing wrong with it if it helps you!

[@DrDAAD]

@@WriteASong Thank you. I try to simplify things or let's say find solutions that works for me best. Actually, I am much more comfortable "translating" chord symbols into polychords. For instance D over C7 in stead of C7,9,11+ 13 etc...or such... I find it more creative and somehow easier to try different voicing. 🙏

[@samuelgarcialopez4061]

11:26

[@lokmht9626]

Hello sir thank u this is really helpful can u help in writing the Ionian and aeolian chord progression I couldn’t find in the video or any suggestions thanks 🙏🙏🙏👍👍

[@WriteASong]

Yes I made the following videos : Ionian / Major kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5jMZXeDbpqaipY Aeolian / Minor : kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3iYiWCFmcmefpY I hope that helps you!

[@lokmht9626]

Thank u

[@draghicesco5880]

I just finished your series in modulation. I suppose if aeolian has it's own modulations these must do to. Any video on that or some reference?

[@WriteASong]

Thanks for watching the modulation series! I haven't done a video about the other modes, but the same principles would apply. There will be chords in common with each mode that can facilitate changing key.

[@dumpsterdom89]

Since the notes values are outside of the key of c, does that mean they’re parallel modes? Relative modes use the same exact notes as the C Ionian, just shifting the window over the same interval pattern of C ionian relative to the new tonal center. Am I pointed in the right direction here?

[@WriteASong]

Yes you are correct in your thinking. I have a video about changing key that also touches on these ideas 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/haGzpH2go8yrp5Y

[@Fendelfull]

It’s a lot, and maybe my ears are fatigued, but that F in your mixolydian played @38:49 sure sounds sharp to me. Do I need to get some rest? Or is there something to this? I did a double take, expecting the first 6 notes to sound major, and for some reason, they didn’t. It’d be good to know for certain if you made a mistake or if my ears are fooling with me, but either way, this video is fantastic and I’ll need to use it for reference until all the modes sink into my thick skull. Thanks for all your work!

[@WriteASong]

Yes there is a mistake, well spotted! I have been hoping to put in a correction, but KZbin haven't rolled the feature out yet. Thanks for the kind words, you can get some rest now!

[@TheGoatBeats]

Phrygian for gangsta rap is always nice :)

[@rogeryoung6055]

How do I write a tune in D Dorian. It has two flats 3 and 7. What key signature should I use and how is the staff set up to signify. I have never seen any mention of this topic in any presentation on dorian mode.

[@WriteASong]

This is outside my knowledge but here is an interesting discussion about this : music.stackexchange.com/questions/930/key-signature-for-writing-in-modes-other-than-major-and-minor#939

[@kukumuniu5658]

So what,still nothing about harmonic Major/ionian b6 but ionian b6 is very interesting for several reasons firstly, we have a few rootless dominants in it not only in the seventh degree (but these roots are nondiatonic,what opportunities does it give us?) second, we have several different tonic chords for one scale degree (few,not all), if we omit the rule of 3rd chord construction How to use it in tonal and modal music?

[@WriteASong]

I made a note about it and will cover it eventually, I only have time to make one video per week.

[@kukumuniu5658]

@@WriteASong :) This is such a mysterious,taboo and fascinating thing(ionian b6) that it requires at least seven videos. Who and for what purpose created the harmonic Major if no one uses it, teaches about it, there are no songs anywhere etc Like witnesses of a crime intimidated by the mafia, I saw nothing, I heard nothing,I have no time - ??? There is a conspiracy of silence, ionian b6 is taboo mode

[@jasoncolap]

Great

[@m.vonhollen6673]

To learn the modes, play them all from the same starting note, and MEMORIZE the following FORMULAS: 1) Ionian, the Major scale: CDEFGABC (half-steps between 3/4 and 7/1). 4) Lydian, #4; Major7#11. 5) Mixolydian, b7; Dom.7/9/13 Those 3 all have a major 3rd and will work over a Major triad. 2) Dorian, b3/b7; Min.7/6/9. 6) Aolian, b3/b6/b7; Min.7/9 3) Phrygian, b2/b3/b6/b7; Min.7. Those 3 all have a flatted 3rd and will therefore all work over a Minor triad. 7) Locrian, b2/b3/b5/b6/b7; Min.7b5. That Locrian mode has b3/b5 and will therefore work over a Diminished triad. - Play the first 3 over a C Major triad, sing along, and hear the differences. - Play the second group of 3 over a C Minor triad, sing along, and hear the differences. - Play Locrian over a C Diminished triad. It is the least useable of the modes but must still be learned well. - There’s much more to learn after this but this is an essential start. MEMORIZE the formulas; play these modes one/two/three octaves.

[@linotom1887]

Perhaps if you play each mode 2 or 3 times, it will be a better memory retainer... 🎹🔊🎶👂🏽x 3

[@marklevy9314]

One small mistake. The C Mixolydian scale was played as C Lydian.

[@WriteASong]

I knew there was one somewhere and forgot to go back through and correct it! Thanks for pointing it out, I'm still waiting for KZbin to roll out the correction feature...

[@dannuttle9005]

To those who are still pretty unfamiliar with all of the stuff in this video, let me offer a bit of advice that I would have found really useful some years ago: Don't try to absorb it all at once. Bookmark this video! Then go play. Start with Dorian. Play through all of the examples you see here, and then make up your own. Dig in the sandbox. It's a ton of fun, and you will learn really useful things. Don't go on to the next one until you have a feel for a mode. And take notes. Write stuff down. Come back to your notes later. Find songs that use the mode, and learn to play at least the chords. You will be glad you did.

[@WriteASong]

Good advice, thanks for sharing!

[@linotom1887]

Why the the first note a C instead of an A ? ..this has always been a frustration in my learnings..😫🎸🤷🏻‍♂️

[@WriteASong]

The examples all use C as the tonic or first note. But any note can be the first note in a mode or a scale. For example, you have the C major scale, but also the A major scale, B major scale etc. I hope that clears things up for you a bit.

[@linotom1887]

@@WriteASong ..got it thanks👍🏽, but i mean why the first note (Do) is a C instead of an A being the first note of the alphabet? .. this makes understanding more confusing and harder for a global common sense.. ..1/Do/A....2/Re/B....3/Mi/C....4/Fa/D....5/Sol/E....6/La/F....7/Si/G.....🤔💭🤷🏻‍♂️

[@WriteASong]

Oh, I see what you mean! The do re mi is sung to the c major scale which is the white notes on a piano. I am not sure why the notes were labelled in this way originally, it probably developed over many centuries. Sorry I can't help you further!

[@linotom1887]

@@WriteASong ..yes it was centuries ago by the italian music reading founders(solfeggio).....but my point was about the later traslation and/or adaptation by/to/for the English way....Thereafter, why the first white note of the first major scale is named "C".. instead of being "A" the name for the first note and first major scale..as a logical order..and learning ease? 🤔🤷🏻‍♂️

[@WriteASong]

It's a good question, I wish I knew the answer!

[@leomac1829]

hello man can you tell me the definition of modal chord progression? just the definition...........loved your tutorial

[@wendwaogaouedraogo5629]

Si tu peut faire en français sa me plai

[@WriteASong]

Je suis désolé, je ne parle pas beaucoup de Français.

[@_shoneplays_]

Thank you so much brother !! Really appreciated 🥹❤️‍🔥

[@WriteASong]

You're welcome!