Modes Made NO SENSE To Me Until I Started Doing This!

[@Wallimann]

📌 Free DNA Workshop ➜ guitarplayback.com/dna-signup/?DNA&Ow98Nw8Ml0

[@mattvaughn8525]

I really like this idea of picking the open E and practicing the modes over top of it. Really cool exercise.

[@stratcat3216]

This is something I always meant to chart out for myself. I agree... the classical way to learn them is to build them from each note in a given scale.. but then they aren't using the same 'magnet' and aren't in the same key.. this is FAR better and more concise. Kudos on a great tutorial!

[@woundedchildstory3172]

You’re the first teacher I’ve heard teach this right, from an emotional perspective!

[@allatsea2746]

There's even a better way to get into modes. When you play a minor pentatonic scale, you leave out the 2nd and 6th degree of a mode. By filling these holes you create the dorian (2 & #6), aoelian (2 & & 6) and the phrygian (b2 & 6) modes. Then you take a major pentatonic and do something similar, and complete the scale with a 4th and a 7th. Ionian (4 & 7), lydian (#4 & 7) and mixolydian (4 & b7). I've taught it like thar for decades,.Anyway. This method has a least 2 big advantages over every other approach I'm familiar with. 1st: you build modes on something you already know, and 2nd: the notes you add, are actually the ones that give you the characteristic sound of the scale PS: Long live Reverend guitars :-)! PPS: For locrian you obviously need a b2 and a b5, so you would have to alter the 5th of your minor pentatonic, but - honestly - the last time I could have used locrian (must have been in the early 90ies), I probably played a half-diminished arpeggio ;-).

[@sjdanthem]

You deserve shit for going on the man's channel and being that one-upping-know-it-all, but, I gotta give you credit. That's good information.

[@robn.7426]

I understood his video, but don't understand your comment. Making your own video of this would help a lot more than your comment.

[@stuntdouble777]

You obviously don't know how to play jazz.

[@allatsea2746]

@@stuntdouble777 Shit, I didn't think it was that obvious :-( ... ;-)

[@allatsea2746]

@@robn.7426 I prefer making music to making videos, but if you have a specific question, just ask. It's easier than it sounds. Here's my email: [e-mail]

[@donald-parker]

Although I have learned more theory later in life, I started playing guitar just by ear. In pre-internet days, the only way to learn was to listen to records. I had put together both major and minor pentatonic scales (of course, without knowing what they were called - I just remembered shapes on the neck relative to where I played the root chord) and understood their voice and where to use them fairly easily and was content with that for years. And then Passion and Warfare came out. In particular, The RIddle was the first time I was hearing sounds I didn't know how to reproduce. At first I just thought they were magical Steve Vai scales, but after listening a lot and learning to copy, I came up with the realization that they were all just different major scales played over a different root. So you could play a D major scale over E, or an A major scale over E or a B major scale over E, and get these unique colorings. I never learned them as different intervals within a single key - I just thought of them as different major scales. Even now that I know what modes are, this mental model still seems simpler to me. Instead of memorizing 7 different scale shapes, I memorize 1 and learn to play it in every key. Then all I have to know is which major scale over a given root, gives me the sound I want.

[@guitello100]

Wow that's how I think of them as well. Using different major scales over certain chords or particular keys to achieve the sound of a particular mode. For example if I want to play a Dorian mode over Am I will play a G major scale or Em scale since they are both the same notes. That was always easier for me than thinking in terms of having to play a sharp or flat note in that scale

[@ParaBellum2024]

Me too. it's a much simpler concept to grasp.

[@micheldindaine8403]

@@guitello100 Of course? as long as your bass note (the magnet) is A, every G major mode you play over that A will sound dorian.

[@kane6529]

This is also how I’ve approached it and the only way my pea brain can comprehend 🤣

[@aa.mirezZ]

This is pretty much nail on the head just remember to accent your root by ending and starting on it. If you play e min scale for example over a minor chord you would want to still end on that a to stay in the a dorian mode since a Dorian begins and ends on a.

[@LindaMcRae42]

Wow, thanks so much! I’ve been struggling to understand and remember the formula for modes. This is a huge help!

[@samshq9977]

You are blowing my mind! 20 years I’ve tried to understand the rocket science of modes and in 12 minutes I now get it… thank you!

[@kidthorazine]

This is a cool approach, the way that I was taught to understand modes is to think of the underlying chord progression, since that's really where the difference comes in, when you shift the root the scale degrees change and the thus the chord progressions that work with the mode are different. That's pretty much what you're doing just with the roots, so you can easily expand on this.

[@rtroiani]

As a drummer moving to guitar and bass recently, this was extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@portnoy256]

me too! :)

[@baSsDiaRy01]

yes, i am😍😍

[@cacornett58]

My gosh, this is THE best lesson I have ever seen on modes.

[@AdrianWhyte]

Exactly how I teach this to my students! All about the interaction harmonically! I teach modes as shapes to begin with and bring in the harmony later once the major scale is understood!

[@Radical_Middle]

I have learn this approach not long ago after years of confusion, thank you for fortifying this idea.

[@garylisbon8933]

Modes made no sense to me until I played them against a chord which actually happened by accident...I was strumming a Cmaj chord and then played the notes of Gmaj against it. My 1st thought was Flying in a Blue Dream and my second was oh Lydian so this is how modes work. Pretty simple and I don't understand why people are confused by such a simple concept. I see a few KZbinr's talk about the confusion of modes when there is nothing confusing at all...Play the notes of Gmaj against a Gmaj chord progression Ionian, Play the notes of Gmaj against an Amin chord progression Dorian..ect ect...nothing confusing at all. target the cord tones and put some emphasis on the half steps and your ready to rock. I love theory. Was always a scary word to me but boy was I wrong...theory is awesome!

[@garylisbon8933]

@@christof7778 Happy to help. It really is a simple concept. Modes are all about what you put emphasis on. I'm no incredible guitar player however learning theory has brought me a lot closer to being one. Happy jamming!!!

[@TheSingingDoctor325]

What a great viewpoint of modes - it really opened my eyes to a different way of looking at them.

[@alteregothehi-qs5774]

Hi David! Very nice course! Thx. Registred and booked your lessens. I couldn’t find the chart you showd in your video at 9:20? Where can I find it? Very helpful!!

[@Wallimann]

Thank you! Email me at [e-mail] and we’ll help you out!

[@ussrobama5511]

Great lesson! Frankly speaking, I've come to right that conclusion (modes are the strong auxillary guitar players' tool for emotional embellishment of guitar melodies; there are 3 major and 4 minor modes etc.) long ago and this David's lesson said nothing new to me exept the confirmation of what I already know. BUT! I listened this lesson with great pleasure: to present information succinctly, maximal informatively and comprehensive way - one must have the respective teacher's talent. You have this talent, David! Thank You very much and please, keep on moving!

[@michaelcard9382]

I learned ( which was my straight forward book way) every mode in A .All 5 mode scale positions up the neck.After I learned those..the book said "Now u know all the modes" Which is true,after you memorize the mode scales in Key of A or learn starting with any key..the fingering never changes it - just depends what fret your playing those shapes on changes the mode name.Example: If you learn key A- Aeolian scale at fifth fret but slide up to 7th fret and play same exact scale now your just playing B Aeolian.. So instead of doing that ,go to 7th fret n play 2nd interval of A aeolian, then to 9th fret n play proper interval n so on till you've completed all 5 scale patterns.Aeolian just means natural minor scale.So now u know(after u study what those 5 patterns are the minor scale all the way up the neck in key of A but you can Use any Key u want now that u know the minor scale in any key you choose..That just 1 mode of 7, each with a diff name n sound but you know all the patterns if you know just the one.Mine I first learned was in A so figured I'd tell u guys how I learned "The Modes"

[@guitarmemoir]

Awesome lesson. I went through the same thing learning modes. I would relate everything to the parent key when I was playing over the progression which allowed me familiarity with the scale pattern, but my licks didn't really sound as modal as they could/should. I started doing what you are doing over a cello drone and it finally clicked in. Wish I had you for a teacher from the beginning.

[@jonnorris4204]

Best KZbin Guitar Lesson in a long time! Not only can you see the subtle differences between each mode, they are fun to play around with.

[@tterrabend]

THANK YOU for making modes easier to understand! This is one of your BEST lessons yet!

[@jamesnicholson9392]

James Scott Nicholson, Ontario, Canada! I am so glad to see someone breaking down the modes, into 7 note Patterns. They are confusing enough as they are, especially when they’re transcribed into14 to 20 note patterns... in the process of learning my scales I have always had no problem figuring out the rest of the notes all over the fretboard, Hence as you say simply mastering all the notes on the fretboard. For example through this Covid period,I have taught myself theory. In the last month I started taking my major and minor scales in seven note forms, and transcribing them all over the neck. It makes it so much easier just looking at the seven notes you need. PS I had a lot of fun doing it, so now I have a model template??? I can start transcribing them all over the neck. Thanks a lot this makes so much more sense and I’ve been on modes For six months now. Top left

[@pauljoseph4057]

Excellent lesson, awesome teacher!

[@johnmcclary754]

Man... That's so much easier to understand... Thank you... This has been bugging me for a while. Thank you for playing from the same position! Now I can see how they relate to each other. Not just the same notes in a different place on the neck.. I paid $500 for a class and you showed me more in 12 minutes than that place has...

[@bubbles3161]

Great lesson ! A drone is a single note that carries on for a period of time. EASY Example for playing the Lydian mode. Open E as the drone. Play the A major scale over the E drone and you will be able to hear the characteristics of the Lydian mode. Simple beginner trick to satisfy the ear with instant results giving you the belief in the method and encouragement to learn more.

[@trevordallas]

One of the best approaches to learning and digesting the intention of modes I've seen to date. I often wonder why instruction on modes is typically or intentionally perplex. Sinisterly, I can't help but think that ego can get in the way...as if to keep the "secret" a "secret". Out of the endless tutorials, how many get to the real point? It's disheartening to think that there exists such a lack of teaching ability out there. Or, that the intention is to not really convey. In any case, this lesson is all you need, in the beginning, and to build from there. Excellent job!

[@ssm445]

I normally couldn't care less about online lessons. Buy really waiting for your course. Please tell me there will be one 🙏

[@joemkoenen]

Exploring the sounds of the three majors...their differences and unique color ... "as a group"...then the minors in the same way... a great way to get the feeling of each... thank you David

[@joelmartinez4370]

wow….just Thanks! i can say no more. i started playing 2 years ago, i have memorized the 7 modes and i started to doddle around with them being able to get fragments of good sound. this exercise is a really important piece to the understanding of modes. Again thanks for adding value to my guitar journey ❤👍💪

[@aberhan]

This explanation is helpful, seeing each mode as it’s own scale as opposed to relating everything to the major scale. Because each scale still sounds like E, in this case instead of starting each mode on each note of the major scale which completely changes the tonal quality of each scale.

[@bkmeahan]

finally got my head around pentatonic and can apply it in my playing so trying to move on to modes and I feel like it's jumping from simple addition and subtraction to calculus.

[@leonlu1141]

god bless you. how luky i am for hit upon this knowledge. i studying mode for just a year memorizing all kinds of foems but not work. until i see your clip. thank you lots lots lots .i am so luky

[@RWaxo]

So good, I know all the mode on 6 strings but now I do understand that we have to reference to the note that makes the modes depending on the key we play.

[@secohen73]

You've become one of my favorite instructors, David. Keep up the great work!

[@shempuhorn8261]

Truly excellent. Best explanation of this I've ever seen.

[@feeltchad3811]

Dude since years ago i've tried to understand modes untill i check that vidéo ... Thé best WAY for me thank you so much

[@johnletitia]

Thanks, this was by far the best video I have ever seen on this topic!

[@alinsandu7190]

This makes so much sense. Thank you!

[@GeorgeSPAMTindle]

The worst thing about Modes is that whenever someone gives their knowledge freely in a YT video, like David here has so kindly done, the comments section will fill up with stupid questions and arrogant comments. If you think that you understand modes, you really don't understand modes.

[@jamescalka1280]

I totally agree !

[@craigm7750]

"I created modes and am still clueless"-God

[@brettmelville3820]

I played around with guitars for a few years when I met and elderly Bengali man who was a professional singer of Hindustani music in India. I had several lessons from him over a one year period. He started at the very beginning of Indian music theory and that is the seven basic Ragas. These basic Ragas are, in scale and interval form exactly the same as the seven modes. What made it so easy to understand for a beginner was that the Ragas are all played in the same key, that is to say that there is the same drone note used. There are no chords in Indian music theory. In order to really understand the depth of flavour and emotion of a mode you need to have a same note drone. In western theory the qualities and uses of modes becomes blurred when chord progressions are used. Basically when you change chords you are changing the key of the music and the definitive qualities of a mode. Two chords played in a progression means you are now playing a different mode for each. As this video loosely points to, you need a single drone note to really explore the mode/Raga/scale. Modes are not difficult to understand on their own but how chords are used is what makes it seemingly difficult. So much more can be said on this.

[@Fake_Jesus]

This video opened up modes for me. Thank you so much.

[@mickknowles4096]

Probably the best explanation and use of modes so far

[@glennbergstrom2893]

In Indian music the magnet is referred to as the drone. The ragas work off of the drone in the same way as the modes here.

[@matthewatwood8641]

Music theory is a funny thing. When I started learning to play guitar, I thought learning music theory would teach me how to play. I came to realize that it's more about teaching me to understand what it is I've been trying to do, so I can do it more consciously and effectively. Without thinking of it in those terms, I've been playing around with that magnet note thing you described for a while, and your are description just made it all click into place for me. I was able to make the connection to how that works with modes. Now I can take off and run with it.

[@DavidYarber]

Excellent lesson! I've never understood how modes were to be used effectively. The magnet concept is brilliant. I was noodling along with you and could detect a glimmer of light! Keep it coming!

[@jackh577]

And with this lesson, you still don't understand modes. :(

[@xwinglover]

I understand the modes, it took me a while and I am still learning. But it is always refreshing to find a new take on them to illustrate their usage and how their relative brightness to darkness colours the music. Kudos for another great video Dave. Long time subscriber. p.s. Who down votes this quality stuff???

[@pdkett1]

This is not really a new way. It's called 'Parallel scales -' as opposed to Relative Scales. Jazz guitarist John Scofield covered this in his video over 30 years ago. The Relative scale approach also takes more theory knowledge and is more abstract .

[@xwinglover]

peter kett no it’s not new but to me it gave me a fresh perspective on how to understand them.

[@pdkett1]

@@xwinglover The Relative approach is mostly the (classical) school way which doesn't work for a lot of pop/rock player guitars. I prefer the Parallel approach, but I can still figure out the relative modes if I need to If you can pass high school Math GED, you can figure the Relative approach also.You just have to spend a bit of time memorizing the Major scale.

[@jansley13]

when I'm practicing these modal improves i like to think of other songs i know that use that mode ..if i can. just helps me recognize it and distinguish the differences Thank you for sharing this with us

[@frankmason1104]

I have watched literally dozens of your very informative videos and only, just now, have a grasped why you always refer to the "magnet." I suspect this is a breakthrough (after some 50 years of playing guitar, by the way - often not particularly well).

[@nagol1000]

THANK you! This is a really great exercise! This helps me remember what the modes SOUND like.

[@thomasmartinscott]

David, like you, I struggled for years due to the way I was taught; "This mode has a flat 3 and a flat 5, This mode has a flat 6 and a flat tire.... etc. WAAAY too much to try to remember for me. It finally dawned on me that the "E Locrian" is really an "F" Scale. It's not just "starting on a different note of the major scale... it is an entirely different scale. "E Phrygian" is actually a "C" Scale. Then I realized that the Numbers of the Modes tells you what Key it actually is. The 3rd Mode is Phrygian, so what is E the 3rd of... "C" so "E Phygian" is actually a "C" scale. Mixolydian"... the 5th Mode... what is "E" the 5th of?... "A" so "E Mixolydian" is actually an "A" scale. Anyway, that's what cleared it up for me. I guess we all learn differently, especially if we're taught differently. Anyway, Good Lesson. Excellent way of HEARING what they sound like over the drone "E". I hope my 2 cents worth helps somebody.

[@alessandrotesser6841]

Hi David, I discovered you in True fire... I bought your course Pentatonics DNA, I'm studying it very carefully. Now I discovered your free course and your website with free clinics course too. I also saw that you have other two courses on TrueFire, so there's a lot to look at. I ask you a suggestion please: after studying your Dna Pentatonic course which is the natural prosecution of the learning path? TrueFire course on caged dna, your free course,..... can you give me a suggestion please? Thanks again and congrats! You're a great teacher! Alessandro

[@OldDawg-mc3dy]

Thank you.....Good explanation. I see many on KZbin using the methed of the major scale and say this is not going to mean a thing to a great many people. This is also much faster and makes it easier to improvise when you just want to get to it and jam. IMO

[@nicholastobin8168]

I love this guy. Wish he was around 35 years ago when I had a chance to learn and retain something.

[@charlespatrick8650]

42 years ago for me

[@nadeemafzal8984]

This has to be one of the best lessons which has furthered my understanding about modes. The explanation is beautiful and flows from one concept to another leading to ‘the characteristic note’ Fascinating how movement of one note completely changed the sound and mood - just one note ! Thank u David ! I’m going to play with this using root notes on different strings next - this is going to be just hours if not days of non stop fun 🙏🏽

[@lonelyseaproductions2337]

Really amazing watching you develop your course over the last few years. Thank you for creating such great & informative content!

[@mitchellrandtruen8496]

Hi David ,I noticed you called the #4 a b5 in E lydian, although its same note ,I was wondering if you had a reason for doing so or writing it that way in the diagram ?

[@robbaskerville253]

I learned more about how to use modes in this video than I have from dozens of others combined.

[@Hasdarubal]

Great video! I learned a lot on this tricky subject. Thank you.

[@tonygSDWR]

I have only limited exposure to modes.What I don't quite understand were the notes you were playing vs the tab being displayed. Were you playing the same notes of the mode, but on different strings outside the tab being shown?

[@dunnjavit]

Really hypnotic playing. Loved it. You can hear the subtle differences against that droning E note.... The "magnet" as David calls it

[@photoguy4212]

This is fantastic. Helped immensely

[@andrewsquest628]

By far the best video on the topic, thanks!

[@markburk2888]

I read somewhere that the modes were developed after people had been playing music for awhile so that they represent the various ways that the notes of a given scale are actually played.

[@jimallen4328]

Fantastic lesson! I"m a new fan!

[@petskup4]

If root note E changes to A ? How we do then if we wanna stay in ionian mode... Should the ionian mode find in key of A ? But if bass plays continuesly changing E and A notes.? or is the bass what make changes if melody stays..? Or am I just too lost with that :/ :D

[@worldwyn]

Super useful! Really makes sense now. I love the different feeling one can create using modes.

[@BettoniFerreira]

Hey mate! I have a question, when you play E Mixolydian, you are playing the A major scale with the E as a magnet, right? But what about the chords? If I want to write an E mydolydian song, I have to also use the A major scale chords resolving in E as the magnet instead of A? Or I simply use the E major scale chords and the melody on A major? Cheers! Thanks for the video!

[@KRSinDUB]

Super Leçon David. Thanks a lot

[@randym3982]

Great and you mentioned Harmonic major Harmonic Minor and Melodic Minor which no one mentions. Is there a way to PM you on KZbin?

[@giovannipisani5765]

yes that's the real modes meaning. I don't get why tons of stuff il still explaining modes just as "scales" without stressing the fact that each mode makes sense vs a "reference" pedal/note/tonality

[@mauricegale6660]

You are such great teacher ! Love your stuff and learning fast

[@MegaSerioussam]

Really well explained

[@mickquickfall6018]

Great way to learn the feel of the different modes. I found playing chord triads on the 5,4,3 strings using notes from the modal scales and then soloing over those also helped pick up the feel

[@Hitmanoob]

C'est génial et pourtant simple, merci ! Awesome yet simple, thank you !

[@DoctorMcFarlandStudios]

Nice Reverend. I have 4 different models and would like to get more.

[@ahmadz45]

Bro, this is awesome. This really help me get more melody focus on my songwriting

[@anthonysim563]

This was awesome thank you!

[@kimfreeborn]

They call these parallel vs relative. Relative modes where you start on the position within the diatonic scale and parallel when you play each mode starting on the tonic.

[@zosmaee]

Very clear explanation, you have amazing teaching skills. You have a new subscriber from today. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@Coffeehousesantos]

Intervals are the best in transitioning tone oyeah glad you repeat stuff

[@russcali4138]

Best lesson I've seen on Modes !

[@neilrobinson7615]

Great lesson and sound demo for the Church modes. Handy PDF chart also. Thanks.

[@shred311]

Woooow your teachings is pure. Thank you! I Wish i have known this 10 years ago! Playing catch up now..

[@lucascaggiante5541]

thanks! you make anything seem so natural. plus that guitar is beautiful

[@Wallimann]

Thank you!

[@SummitGuitarSchool]

This is a great video. Very inspiring content. Thanks man. Definitely subscribed!

[@TubeBJYou]

That's cool !!! Sensational explanation!!! Things like this are excited!!!

[@rachibilandi4760]

Great exercise.

[@TheDavidCondis]

Thank you, that was very helpfull!

[@GaryBook]

Absolutely brilliant lesson.

[@angelrojasguitar2692]

Best 12 minutes of modes in KZbin

[@brandonmiles8174]

This is great. I've been trying to gradually learn some modes and this is very helpful for me, because I already love playing that open E string and messing around an octave up while letting it ring out. So essentially I think I've already been playing around with the modes in the way you did here, just without knowing why those notes sounded so good together. Now I know.

[@fabidmeh2753]

This is just amazing

[@IllinoisWildlifeEncounters]

I gotta tell ya David, you sure know your way around that guitar fret board. New fan here!

[@billybudd45]

Best mode explanation ever you are true guitar hero

[@castelodomar846]

David, that was a great video. Thanks!

[@smkh2890]

Lydian has a raised 4th, . relative minor is built on the 6th. Mixolydian has a lowered 7. btw, why does the minor sound indecisive? because it lacks resolve!

[@CanalNimrod]

Thanks David, all your videos are very helpful and you explain superb !

[@winzon4th]

Thanks David for this lesson! Subscribed!

[@vandungnguyen6726]

Thank you so much. This is a great lesson. I hope you'll make more many this one clip.

[@miljko85]

"...three fit into a major pentatonic shape really nicely, three fit into a minor pentatonic shape really nicely, and the other one is horrible." Guthrie Govan

[@miljko85]

Excellent lesson, btw. Thank you!

[@kohZeei]

Just realized that E phrygian is the same as Am but emphasizes the E notes instead. Do all the modes have relative Major or minor scales like this?

[@Wallimann]

They all have relatives yes! But I still find it much more useful to see them as unique and individual scales.

[@kohZeei]

@@Wallimann But why though? I mean as long as you emphasize the right root note it should be fine right?