Music Theory Basics: Modes and How To Use Them

This video focuses on Music Theory Basics: Modes and How To Use Them.
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[@lanechange2795]

I Don't Particularly Like Mashed Artichokes Lately : Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Locrian. -If it sounds like Santana: Dorian. -If it sounds like "Tequila!": Mixolydian. -If it sounds like death metal: Phrygian. -If it sounds like Pink Floyd: Aeolian. -If it sounds like the theme for a film production Co : Lydian. Don't worry about Locrian. You're just playing Ionian but starting at the 7th step.

[@hansfranz8795]

But I do like artichokes! They're great! :O

[@benzonex]

If it sounds like Zappa its lydian...

[@aholder4471]

I Don't Particularly Like Modes A Lot.....mnemonics are great

[@MrKittles1123]

I’m very worried about Locrian.

[@royalexodus2666]

...locrian, ooooh yes depression and fear come to me!!!

[@Hello-pl2qe]

You're everyone's favorite not for your extensive knowledge alone but for your obvious love of music and your willingness and love to share. Thank you.

[@chetheflin7447]

What blows my mind is the rich variety of chords Rick plays for each mode.

[@thearno2885]

Chet Heflin each mode has an associated chord, which is all the notes played together.

[@mattmarkus4868]

he's a true badass.

[@michaelscott1199]

Seriously, someone asked me the other day who my favourite guitar player is. I replied so many greats I don't think I would choose just one. He replied, come on pick one player that's had the most influence on your playing. Well that took a millisecond to answer, Rick Beato!

[@jbpmusic4900]

Rick loves his fourths!! Sus4 lydian etc. Lol. I'm like hmmm there are lydian chords??

[@toddgrossmanmusic2167]

Rick, I've been a keyboard player for decades. Lessons here and there, mostly self taught. I found your channel about six months ago. I purchased The Beato Book, and between the publication and your videos, I have grown more as a player and songwriter since discovering you than ever before. Thank you for your continued efforts and hard work to enlighten us mere musical mortals.

[@sprenzy7936]

unfortunately i bought the book also but I hardly understand any of it so i basically never use it

[@toddgrossmanmusic2167]

@@sprenzy7936 don't quit. Start slow and keep at it!

[@sprenzy7936]

i understand the first part of the book but starting at page 15 i don't really know anymore, like wth are the modes (you know starting out with private teacher and only ever reading sheet music) and then it goes on to stuff like in page 17 like mixolydian #11 or like dorian flat 2. i mean I can sit down for a few hours everyday and memorize all that but in the end those words mean nothing to me. im curious how you started out reading this book and growing more like you said. cause all this and ricks videos are too much. like he is explaining modes and he would be playing etude esk examples only. since your self taught i assume you're probably better than me. like you don't have to be chained to goddamn sheet music and you can acutally play and improvise some stuff

[@rickyricardo2006]

@@sprenzy7936 just checking in. Did you understood the book by now?

[@Bamagolfandguitar]

Sprenzy knowing how to read music puts you ahead of a LOT of guitarists when it comes to grasping theory. What is the biggest subject in the book that is giving you the most trouble?

[@TigerPalmer]

Rick explaining how the Circle of Fifths starts with the note with the least amount of flats, circling to the note with the least amount of sharps, is the clearest way I’ve seen the Circle of Fifths explained. Something so simple, yet no one ever mentions that characteristic of the Circle of Fifths. Also, the way Rick circles the half-steps in each mode, how those half-steps define each mode and how the same half-steps aren’t found in any other mode, lit the bulb in my brain. Again, fantastic job, Rick!

[@jackh577]

The best thing about this tutorial is the big board behind him that shows each mode. It seems overwhelming to learn those scales, but when taught properly it's really not complicated. Problem is most videos don't teach them properly. Rick does a great job.

[@paulandlesson]

Professor at colleges with brilliant colleagues, who stayed away from from the modern use of modes (if that makes since, i.e. Don Mock, you, etc). This is a treat! For many years modes helped me see a key over the entire instrument. From there I used modal vamps. As a long time fan of your knowledge, you continue to blow me away. BTW your video on Bach I loved so much I couldn't express myself correctly and ended up not posting. You are a great musician. 500 stars. P

[@robertbuffalo8287]

I bought Ted Greene's Chord Chemistry back in the 70s. I learned the modes but I transpose scales in my head phasing from the root note based on patterns and get lost sometimes. Back in the day there was no KZbin or anyone to tell you how to do things. I find myself playing in one mode on ascending and a different mode descending. It does sound good. Also been doing two string diatonics using harmony on the adjacent string. 50 years of playing guitar this week! Like your videos.

[@evanbarker5611]

I'm not sure if you've already done this Rick, but it would be cool to talk through the modes with examples of each mode in a song? This is excellent btw, thank you!

[@Jason-qt8bm]

hey Rick! I've just discovered your channel and have been enjoying the topics, depth and professional approach to covering music theory and production. Keep up the great work and catch ya next time!

[@EdKaine]

New Beato Book owner here. Printing out double sided B&W 2-93 Color 94-273 B&W 274-299, color 300-323, b&w 324-461 and covers in color.

[@jessemontano6399]

Must know how to build chords from the scales. Figure that out then inversions, alternate bass, etc... learn the primary chords for each scale. It's a good place to start 😊. Hope this help a musician in need

[@viictor1309]

It did

[@trollstjerne]

Great lesson. Love that you added the backingtrack and played along.

[@GaryBook]

This is the greatest stuff. I have been looking for an advanced music theory course and you have provided it. Thank you.

[@gavindalton2238]

Gary Book this is basic theory

[@turricanedtc3764]

Entangled - yes! One of my favourite Genesis tunes, if not my favourite... I'd not tried playing the opening D/B chord at the 5th fret like that, but it works!

[@willsicam7429]

Love this guy. My new favorite teacher., Modes explained easy enough to where I can practice them now. Or at least have clarity on how to approach them. Thanks for your time Rick.

[@KlausGehrmann]

Rick your videos are an invaluable source of learning and inspiration for any musician on any level. I have watched quite a few, and I never get tired of watching them. Thank you for sharing your expertise and knowledge with us.

[@almir...santos]

Excellent video, Rick. Got rid of all of my doubts about modes, finally. Thank you so much!

[@montlejohnbojangles8937]

Thanks for all your great videos Rick, you're an excellent educator and I think everybody appreciates it. I do! ❤️

[@markcoren2842]

Thanks Rick! This is the stuff that got me hooked on your channel! I love the rest, and this is what keeps me coming back =D

[@mariocruz977]

Rick, Thanks for your Time ... I realy enjoy watching your videos.

[@hansi3335]

Good lesson! :) i apreciate that someone like Rick are doing this, because it's wat better than any other music theory lesson on youtube. Thanks Rick :)

[@windowlicker1]

thanks for sharing all the great knowledge and i love your playing.

[@huncauac2808]

Thank you Rick. Clear info for develop creativity!

[@Convert96]

I love this guy!

[@Davydd2]

Sometimes watching, I feel like Nigel Tufnel from Spinal Tap on meeting Joe Satriani - " I can see his fingers moving, but I don't know what he's doing" . Eventually, I guess.

[@davidhoxit4274]

Great video and a tremendous amount of information...thanks for this!!!

[@Thoseaboutto911]

I would like to see modes over chord changes!

[@dibyong7699]

Same!!

[@redredrubyred9]

Me too! That is what I need to see and hear

[@aarongreco9238]

I like how you circled the target notes to each mode. Good visual! Thanks!

[@fabricetremblay9023]

Merci Rick pour vos enseignements!

[@lucianomanfrinato5481]

You are amazing Rick. Thank you for this.

[@christian53050]

I am very surly about not having access to information (teachers) like this when I was trying to learn guitar in a small town in Finland in the late sixties : (

[@hansfranz8795]

Books. :)

[@gkniffen]

Learning it the "old fashioned" way has its benefits... it was frustrating at times though 😁

[@mdp303]

Small town or big town Finland or anywhere else. Don’t think you will find too many tutors this good. Beato and Nolte... best music teachers I never had.

[@endoalley680]

Nothing wrong with Surly. I agree there is a lot of free information here.

[@Bamagolfandguitar]

I know what you mean brother. I would’ve killed as a beginner to have access to all the KZbinrs that transcribe tunes and teach them. Then Rick’s channel on top of that? Would’ve made things SOOOO much easier. There is no excuse to be a bad guitarist these days if you truly work at it, not with all the information that is out there now. The only downfall I see with kids that have learned everything straight off KZbin is that their ear is terribly undeveloped. They can play the notes, but they can’t hear a progression and name the chords or transcribe a solo.

[@knlgarner]

This helped me a lot, trying to get from basic keys to understand the degrees. Thanks,

[@jamesjr9438]

Thanks Rick, this video cleared up a lot of questions that I had about modes on the guitar. Any suggestions on how to learn to play in the pocket.

[@smunkydee]

@professor Beato have you posted the modes loops at your channel? or would there be one online that I could practice to? thank you from HAWAII!! love your vids!!

[@paulandlesson]

You are the perfect example of saying things that bring to light knowledge right in front of me. That instance when the "light bulb" illumenates. A silly example would be when I realized a secondary dominant was what was called an "off chord" when I was a kid. Everyone is better for watching this.

[@JustLuminal]

Great video, again!

[@Danicarraro]

This is gold!

[@fredfloyd34]

Awesome music teacher and its also fun to study with him....

[@TheLDmusicchannel]

Thanks Rick!!

[@njatoandrianarison6433]

You’re such a great human!

[@guitarfreak585]

I have a feeling I will watch this many times.

[@RaviLogan86]

You are an inspiration!

[@Okraknife]

This make me realize just how much I don't know. It's depressing.

[@6ddevil]

Rick even made Locrian sound good. 👍🎸

[@user-sq3xm6ll3i]

Thank you for yout expertise... I'm an ok guitar player but never really learned modes... next level.

[@sebastiansilva4776]

Pure gold.

[@MC_CAPA2287]

At 5:05 I had a lightbulb moment and I think my brain exploded.

[@andrekarame1465]

Hey Rick, I'm wondering how to build a cadence in any particular mode. I don't know if there's an easy answer to this... I've been trying to figure out the I-V-vi-IV equivalent to say a Phrygian or Dorian progression. Progressions that feel anchored on the mode and don't pull your ear to its related Major (Ionian) sound. Hope this makes sense! Thanks so much for your channel and dedication to teaching!

[@Ned-ke3ui]

I thought I knew enough music theory until I watched this video but it looks like I got a lot of work to do now Back to the drawing board for me Great video though Thanks Rick 👍🏻🇮🇪

[@midnightbrewers5368]

I would love it if you would go into a little bit more detail on which chords suit which modes? I know the obvious ones (Maj7 suits Ionian and Lydian ect) but you were playing some sweet chords. I need to know them. Cheers

[@netnot]

So, if I'll take I-VI-IV-V progression in C major (C-Am-F-G). How can I use theese modes? Play a mode on each chord?

[@orphaneduk5672]

Rick, have you covered anything relating to the order of chords within each mode? This is something I can't find much reliable info on. Thanks so much

[@jimmyc5498]

Always brilliant. When you’re playing the Ionian example and you lean 3,4,7 and 8 you’re molding it into Lydian even though in an Ionian fingering. You do the same with Dorian. You gravitate toward Lydian ( I know you already know this stuff) but it’s funny and I definitely do the same thing because that sound is so cool. I use Lydian over a m7b5 because it’s easier and move 1/2 down to its V7 chord which resolves nice. Anyway thanks always for posting.

[@jaybrown184]

Yep. If you dont focus on the characteristic sounds of the mode you aren't really playing the mode. It's important to study the intervals available in relation to the tonic. By the time you move to modes with augmented 2nd intervals (not in the major scale) you will understand how to get the most out of the mode and even make chordal passages sound modal without a single line melody.

[@dhpbear2]

31:10 - This reminds me of the opening notes to the Lost in Space Theme (1st and 2nd seasons!)

[@rabokel]

Since all modes are made of the notes of the major scale, the easiest way of getting a glimpse of the sound of the modes, is to play the same major scale over different root pedal tones.

[@Spinz99]

Rick Beato is a great music educator. Not everybody can do that.

[@guitmickify]

Hey Rick, do you have something on using multiple voices for a chord within a progression?

[@SpanishGuitarSchool]

We love you Rick

[@LennySugiono]

I can feel this clicking , I’m going to rewatch this soon.

[@stillkickinbandgeorgianbay900]

I have found it so much simpler and easier to utilize and teach the modes as simply relative to their major scale degrees. The root major scale notes, intervals, and chords are identical in the modes, you just centre the "mode" on a different scale degree than the root. C Major (Ionian): C (Maj), D (min), E (min), F (Maj), G (Maj), A (min), B (dim) D Dorian: Same notes, intervals and relative chords as C Major (centered on the 2nd) E Phrygian: Same everything again, but centred on the Major 3rd of C. F Lydian: Same everything again, but centred on the Major 4th of C. G Mixolydian: Same everything again, but centred on the Major 5th of C. A Aeolian: Same everything again, but centred on the Major 6th of C. B Locrian: Same everything again, but centred on the Major 7th of C. ...So just by knowing any one Major scale, I can use the same intervals, notes, chords from the Major scale to transpose to the other 6 modes without complication. And your "umm... umm" moment when you realized you had made a mistake in your Phrygian "adopted root" never needs to happen, as it does not need to be that complex to understand.

[@omartedmori654]

Just discovered Beato. It's good stuff. My recommendation to all guitarists is Ted Greene's Chord Chemistry. Every serious guitarist has this book

[@LukeDayInTheUK]

There's a great book called 'guitar handbook' which I called the Bible of guitar.

[@alexman2025]

I subscribe right now...Thanks Sir.

[@peace7482]

Can you use all this modes over basic C major scale chord progression like C-E-D?

[@JarlHJ]

This is a great sound

[@jagtone]

I love that with your rack full of Les Pauls, you're rocking the Dano. Sounds really nice, too.

[@kenmarshall3221]

if you want to know if a particular mood works over a major or minor chord is to look at the third scale degree in the formula. if the third note is flat the the mode works over a minor chord. if the third note is a natural then the mode works over a major

[@BigPinner-Jake]

I’m glad this has been sitting here for 3 years Wish I’d been studying then

[@mbguitarlessons7082]

Hi Rick, thank you for the interesting video. I would like to ask a question. Some modes in some context sound somehow "incorrect" even if they are correct on the theory. For example, if I play a minor blues and I use the dorian on the I chord, it sounds somohow to happy for the context. If we make an example in Bm, would the "problem" be possibily caused by giving away the G# (6 of B dorian) which would be the 3 of the II chord, which it will never come because the II chord has the b3? Thank you

[@samwisegamgee4659]

Question: I get the evocative sounds that different modes give you. Do different Keys (even though there is the same interval use in a Cmaj vs. a Dmaj) have different subliminal flavors (?) or is the use of different Keys more of a logistical choice such as singer's range, choice of orchestral instruments in a Classical piece, ease of fingerings on specific main/highlighted instruments in the piece?Just wondering; I've never heard this discussed anywhere... or is this an irrelevant question?

[@JosePerez-jl9bu]

I think it's a good question. Perhaps certain keys can be evocative because they may remind you of influential (to you) songs in that particular key. It's the chord types, regardless of key, that are evocative to me. For instance: 7th chords create tension that wants resolution; or add9 chords just have an "epic," and "majestic," vibe to me. The maj7 chord sounds bittersweet sweet to me -or as Zappa put it: "a maj7 chord is like you're 'falling in love.'"

[@jamesnelson1443]

I have learned more in one week from you, than I did in past 10 years!!!!! Where were you 10 years ago LOL

[@animeshsharma9549]

Love and respect from India. 🙏

[@jarradjames5868]

I need to learn that phrygian. That goes with so many of the finger picking riffs i play.

[@johncook7281]

I thought the ionian scale in C is equal to the major scale starting on the first note of the scale. Dorian and C major would be from the second note D In C Major which D-E whole step E-F half step gives a flat 3rd and The 7th would,be C which is a half step from B so B-C gives a flated 7th then to D for the octive (C-D) a whole step. And so on up the major scale

[@victorkomolafe4982]

It is and it does but in the beginning of the video he said he'll do everything on C just to make it easier for us to understand how to use them...

[@phillipmuller6449]

This is totally interresting on the one hand, but on the other lenghty. It is so much easier to explain the modes by staying in one scale and starting from different scale degrees. Then it' also easy to recognize the aeolian mode as the normal minor key. But, it was also interesting to look at it from the perspective of the major scale... And probably you can also get things out of that, that else you wouldn't see.

[@jellybertdelattiba7603]

Six flats ... Feet under, the first ever serie j watched ! You got my attention !

[@FabianSalomonsson]

How do you set a vamp so you always start the scale from the note C like you did? What chords did you use, does the key change when you change scale since you always start the scale on the C? I hope someone can tell me what's happening. Hopefully you can understand what I mean, my English isn't that great.

[@sprenzy7936]

hey rick I cannot even tell whether a piece is in major or minor because I cannot distinctively hear flat 3, 6,7 but i do know because it sounds "sadder" so throwing these modes into the mix makes it even harder because I don't have an ear for detail however I can do basic scale degree training like if you give me a cadence then play a note I'll be able to tell you oh that's a third and sometimes melodies in major or minor music I've been classically trained with a teach so basically I cannot play without sheet music. so soloing even in basic pentatonic scale or major or minor scale is impossible for me. what kind of training do you recommend me if I want to be able to improvise and arrange music? (by arranging music I mean like i listen to this song and I know excatly what chord and harmonies and melodies are being played and by improvising I can imagine notes and chords in my head and know what they sound like before I play them) I did a lot of ear training like harmonic progressions (but still awful, especially when it comes to inversions and extended chords), solfege singing, interval training. cadence + note training but I still cannot clearly hear the scale degree

[@djpersonalspace2406]

what are some easy(ish) songs to learn on piano that make use of different modes? thanks in advance

[@Iain0101]

I’ve got my black T-shirt and gray hair paint from Party City. All set to be Rick Beato for Halloween.

[@ksi8276]

Rick I want the Beato book but I'm outside of USA and non of the services like PayPal etc work here. Do u know any alternative suggestions?

[@TheJibbsmcgee]

cool chords with the scales rick 18:37

[@GodsCommunity]

*Positive feelings.* 🖍

[@jkbck1]

Guys, I think Rick is a great teacher and I would like to buy the Beato book but I need to know one vital thing. Is the content supported by tabulature? I can't read notes.

[@Danicarraro]

Yes it is

[@johncook7281]

How do I buy something from your store to support this.

[@cbeserra]

Does your book cover which chords are representative of certain modes?

[@Danicarraro]

It does

[@ohstirfry]

Yeah gotta love the notes that rub

[@johntyrone2957]

het Rick. Check out Allan Holdsworth's solo on The 4:15 Bradford Executive. It's on the album Sand

[@spin1788]

I’d like to have a lesson on using modes over a standard like All of Me

[@KenNickels]

Dancin Days uses a Lydian sound in the main guitar riff.

[@LukeDayInTheUK]

First lesson of the video... and we're using C root note for everything. Then he explains the keys and I breath a sigh of relief.

[@Vipuljadav-ql4vb]

Sir which I learn first when learn guitar theary or practical

[@orange-rv9ek]

Thankfully, you did multiple videos on modes..some explanations make sense to me and some just do not.

[@staleyexplores]

Well I'm a bit late for this lesson but ty KZbin I'm here now.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

I’m a Dorian and mixolydian fan. You can get kind of a country sound out of mixolydian too.

[@five5x]

Hey Rick, I'd love to hear your opinion on a band like Future of the Left

[@neiladams2190]

Nothing sounds out of place when it comes to the' modes' that's why they are so unique''🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@frostyriffs]

I've recently come across Pitch Axis Theory. Basically putting lets say, the 5th degree where the root is and playing the Ionian scale as if the root is the 5th and it becomes Mixolydian. Does that make sense??? Do you agree with how well that works?

[@swissarmyknight4306]

I don't know what that theory is, but that is a way to construct modes. The way Rick explains it is more useful, at least to me. A lot of theory is interpretation, so there can be more than one right way to hear something.

[@frostyriffs]

@@swissarmyknight4306 I have the Beato Book. I found this other explanation useful in that it helps to explain things in a different way. I'm always researching other angles of how theory is discussed. When I find myself in a rut and stuck I look at other ways to get that next AHA! moment and continue on. It takes a lot of repetition to learn and apply this stuff creatively quickly on the fly while improvising. I like Ricks approach the most though. It helps if anyone already plays an instrument and isn't a beginner and is well beyond the videos that are the....put your index finger here on this fret, your third finger on this fret.... etc etc kind of instruction, which is all good for the intended audience. Ricks coaching is amazing and people charge good money to teach this stuff. Thanks for sharing your knowledge Rick!

[@thearno2885]

What you say is correct though, starting on the fifth and playing the Ionian is Mixo. Starting on second is Dorian. I would advise just learning the intervals though. So for mixo you have flat 7., Dorian flat 3 etc. Just study and memorise it.

[@davidfroman8281]

Hey Rick can you demonstrate using a simple chord progression for each mode? The scales throw me off.

[@rpervinking]

It seems to me like the teaching of modes using the white keys (C Ionian, D Dorian, ...) doesn't approach the sense of the modes well. Instead, don't you think that the F modes (F Lydian, F Ionian, F Mixolydian, ...) would give a better appreciation of each mode, its feel, and how that feel changes as you work down that list in that order, progressively adding one flat after another? Just a thought. Also, I made up a mnemonic for that list (Letters In My Desk Are Private Letters, which is crappy because it uses Letters for both Lydian and Locrian), but if you know a better one, that would be great.