Modalling Explained | Modal Improvisation Guitar Lesson

Thank you all for the kind words on the Modalling video. It’s more or less how I go about modal improvisation at home when I’m chilling out playing guitar.
I thought I’d pull it apart a bit and show you guys what I’m doing, hopefully it’ll help some of you guys out with your own improv :)
Video edited by John Hollingworth
#rabeaafro #modalimprovisation #guitarlesson
⬇️⬇️⬇️ Feel free to read this ⬇️⬇️⬇️
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[@user-yo3fl7ol8w]

what Rabea wanted me to learn: Modal Improvisation what I learned: JAMES BOND CHORD!

[@andertons]

We love you Bea... 😍

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

oh yeah, gotta love the Bea(st)

[@christopher-miles]

lol. i forgot you guys existed.

[@PLively]

I play by ear. You teach what I need to hear. "The James Bond chord" - eyebrow - Splendid.

[@darionbuck8864]

Just to clear up what you said at the beginning, which is why people get sooo confused with modes, is to know the difference between relative and parallel modes. As you said, when you start on D and play the notes of Cmajor, thats D dorian (d minor with a natural 6). Thats a relative mode of c major. Thats useful for knowing the notes of the scales. (C Ionian, D dorian, E phrygian, F lydian, G mixolydian A aeolian, B locrian. However, when you want to apply modes musically, think in terms of parallel keys. So if you're playing in C major, and want to evoke a feeling of adventure, learn how/when to modulate to C lydian augmented for example. Thats a relative key to C major. Not the same notes. Just the same tonic. You have to raise the 4th and 5th. This is what confuses people so much. Tl;Dr think in terms of relative modes to know what notes to play. You learn one (heptatonic) scale, you learn 6 more too. Think in terms of parallel for musical application

[@jorgearturovasquezmaldonado]

As a self taught guitar player who is getting his head around how to use modes musically, this comment is gold. It made me think about “using modes as a way to move music towards an emotion” instead of “moving through the notes on the guitar neck”. As you said, changing from C ionian to a C lydian augmented WILL change what the music evokes, while playing a D dorian will change what is heard, but not necessarily what it evokes (provided that tempo, phrasing and other stuff remains the same). I appreciate your comment a great deal. Have a nice day

[@dfltr]

I was taught "I Don't Particularly Like Modes A Lot" as a mnemonic for remembering relative modes up the degrees of a major scale, and I still use it every day to think through which notes on the fretboard are currently the Good Sounding Notes.

[@migas114]

This..... Everyone needs to read this comment! Up you shall go sir!

[@Stringprodigy]

@@dfltr how would that tell you what the good sounding notes are? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Pro tip: that's what your ears should be doing.

[@larrydj549]

@@Stringprodigy right They're putting a scale system to an emotion. So they don't have to search. Kind of like self driving cars. Basically breaking out of the box.

[@HowlingUlf]

You play music with your ears and you know theory in your mind while the fingers are only the tools. If you stop listening or never began in the first place and you try to make music with your mind and fingers alone ... how do you know if it sounds good? Train your ears until you can trust them, train your fingers until they obey the ears and then fill in the blanks with theory. And the theory is not as hard as some people make it, for various reasons. It's just names for finger patterns and sound. Don't be intimidated ore overwhelmed.

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

Since you asked, how about something on ambient chord sequences/progressions maybe, not just a drone? If that makes sense.

[@HowlingUlf]

No wrong tones, just happy accidennnnn wait a miiiinuuute! That hair! I see a pattern ... :D

[@DanWaters]

Man, I am supposed to be working on something non music related, but I'd really rather go into my studio and do this for a while instead.... very inspiring!

[@TuckerCustomShop]

Rabea does the next Bond soundtrack. The whole thing. Its perfect. I’m calling Barbara.

[@jorgearturovasquezmaldonado]

Little tip: the “spanish scale” is both major and minor at the same time, which makes it so useful. It is basically a phrygian scale with an added major third

[@meagainokay7673]

I don't know much about theory but don't most scales have minor notes except for the C major scale? Any help would be appreciated because I've probably misunderstood:-)

[@EversonBernardes]

@@meagainokay7673 when someone talks about a scale/mode being major or minor, they're talking about the root position. If the chord (root, third and fifth) built at the root position (so, for the C scale, C) is a major one, then it's a major scale. You'll likely be able to build minor chord by starting at different positions within that scale - if you build a chord starting on D in the C scale for instance, it will have a minor third, so it will be a Dm. The spanish scale has both a minor and a major third, so you can build both minor and major root chords.

[@meagainokay7673]

@@EversonBernardes Thanks for explaining that. Really eppreciated.

[@ripperthecrooks6428]

@@EversonBernardes so to pLay modal, you can play the C scale starting on the D note, when a Dminor gets played is that how modes work? The third degree would be Eminor. Etc.. ?

[@EversonBernardes]

@@ripperthecrooks6428 essentially, yes, but that's not the most interesting use for it. Say you have a song in C major. It has a bog standard C major chord there, C E G. The usual with would be just playing C major scale over it: C D E F G A B. Going modal over it, then, would be playing some other mode/scale that has a C major, instead, like C lydian: C D E F# G A B. Whenever you hit that F# it will sound pretty exotic and read as a #11, a funkier sound.

[@matthewmargetts8516]

Excellent video. So refreshing that you don't try to justify everything with theory. Theory is only there to justify what the real innovative musicians (like yourself) have already played. Far too many people saying what this or that is called, and why it's right or wrong, when the point is the sound.

[@davedavem]

I feel like I've just had a modal masterclass without getting a theory headache! Thanks bro!

[@JamieSlays]

Very insightful as always. I was learning about this from using the quad cortex presets that have the droning undertone

[@gustavogarcia7124]

this was the most usefull and practical view of modes i encountered, i know theory but this feels more visceral and usable

[@amplifex4134]

I needed this vid man! I recently connected the term "modal interchange", as being there's point where the maps overlap, and there's different "streets" to drive on (mode) around the base... Like the "song" is an A to B journey, and modes are the side streets with all the interesting stuff to see on the way.... The way you play exemplifies this thinking. Thank you so much! More like this!

[@SaberToothGary]

"I'm not theory trained", proceeds to give theory lesson... Haha, cheers, man! Dig your channel! "it's music theory, not music fact. There are no rules." - E. Van Halen

[@Keyframe007]

Rabea, these ‘how do I go about’ videos are incredibly helpful. Like you, I am self taught with bits and bobs of theory understanding and these vids, as well as some fantastic comments from your fans , have stitched so much together for me here tonight watching. A big thank you. It’s like a window which has been fogged for too many years is clearing up.

[@cpeplinski]

As soon as the clip starts and there is tasty licks over a drone......such a great way to practice

[@blue_mountains28]

Must have missed the video? Some great stuff there Rebea, I must come back to this again, loads of great ideas and tips

[@jorgesanchez4872]

I would like to see another video where you elaborate more not beacause I didn't understand, just because it is so much fun to watch you play and explaining what goes through your mind and in between... thank you for being such an inspiration for me bro

[@AndrewGuitArmageddonBurnett]

That guitar is gorgeous! And thank you for putting modes into terms that all of us self taught players can understand!!

[@markconger8049]

This is how songs are born! Playing around and suddenly something unique comes out.

[@19universe81]

Yes! That’s the kind of video I love, especially from you. Your approach to guitar playing and teaching is unique and very effective to me. Musical and inspiring!

[@elancaster3989]

You taught an old dog new tricks good sir. Im in my 50's and you are inspirational, helped me break out of a rut in my playing thank you

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

This is my type of shit :) Could listen to this all day long. BTW, how's your leg? On the mend I hope.

[@luminairew.102]

DRONE TONE!!! That's what I've been missing! Thank you!... (next day) so I watched this video, left the first half of this comment and ran...RAN to try this out aaaaannnd... I was totally late for work because I couldn't put my guitar down. This was everything I was missing. Bea you've been an integral part of my guitar journey, thank you

[@obconcept]

very good lesson for me, who stuck in pentatonic tone. thank you.

[@francisskundaliny1295]

These mayoneseguitar tone is amazing,rocknrolly bea!👍🎸📢🔊🌱

[@aiyka_music]

Could you do a video where you display the scale shape (3 notes per string) on screen that you are visualising in your mind while improvising? That will help us understand how to visualize the notes and learn to move between scale shapes

[@davevernon4993]

Freakin goosebumps me your middle eastern vibe, it is compelling stuff, love your work...mazin.

[@jonathangahnsnordahl6750]

this is probably the best video on KZbin! but please make more elaboration and playing around yourself a bit more, LOVE this!!!

[@zackaryflowers8243]

I love you man. Seriously such an inspirational player and human. Keep it up Bea! This video has had a massive influence on my understanding and playing, I constantly come back to it.

[@michaelfrancis1]

I think your approach is great! You really flow in a effortless looking way. No wrong notes 😉 Cheers from Texas! 🤘😎🤘

[@longtrang5706]

I think this helped me turn a new page.

[@joeoneill9098]

Excellent video. Must say this is probably only a benefit to guitar players who are already at an advanced level, but have a natural ear for the correct notes, and some form of muscle memory built up for the scales. For me its always about thinking up the notes in your head and getting used to knowing where those notes sit on the fret board. This insight you have offered makes me think you should probably make a demonstration for players who are a few steps behind, and lay down the basic pentatonics, but show the notes in-between those pentatonics that can give your playing that flavour. but the important thing for me is cutting out the theory (because in reality it don't mean much to most people) and jumping straight to the musicality. Get the brain away from memorizing a load of scales and instead get working on how to effectively get the notes inside your head onto the fretboard.

[@ehren4200]

I think if you make another of these, it could help to understand by looping the rhythm riff to modal over after modaling over the drone tone. The example you had over the funky riff, you could start with with a drone tone modal to introduce the note ideas, then move the modalling over the rhythm riff to really showcase the lesson. But overall this was really helpful to learn new stuff!

[@JackJD]

I need an ambient album by you. Take my money!

[@shaunk413]

The cool thing with the drone is that there’s no wrong notes!

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

I don't make make mistakes when playing the guitar, I make spontaneous creative decisions lol

[@florenttenryu5011]

This is the most interesting part when you are a lonely guitarist like me: improvisation, colors changing, opening ears on intervals.

[@Stratomacaster]

For some reason, the top on that guitar reminds me of the cover of Karnivool's Asymmetry album.

[@PureJadeKid]

Probably not an accident. I think I’ve seen Bea wear a shirt with that album artwork. Dope!

[@wolfytan5451]

I love your names for the different modes/scales lol

[@robertodinizjr1]

Penta blues + Minor flavor with drone always remember me that Black sabbath Die Young live, That intro by Tony Iommi was amazing

[@papakefis4252]

The Bea that we all know and love is back!! Please 🙏 do what you did in this video and try to brake down material from the Totemist writing process or mixdown of the beautiful Ep. Cheers Bea.

[@ctm6761]

Thanks so much for sharing how you do your Modalling! It was super helpful to understand how you do it. I gave it a shot tonight and you were absolutely right, it is just a really enjoyable and fun way to play the guitar. Awesome and super helpful video!!

[@Chris_Nouvelli]

I love everything about this. I had a great guitar teacher when I was younger but 15 or so years later the modes and HOW to use them made way for just playing and enjoying myself. I think your tips will help me blend the best of both worlds; enjoying myself and being confident with my noodling. Cheers, Bea. Also, I bought a Wild Fro and it’s the business. All the best.

[@ckjjclan]

I really enjoyed this. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, it’s SOO GREAT that people like you (and others) drop these knowledge bombs on us… cheers!

[@hoam1293]

That clean sound. Faaaaack

[@karstux]

Damn, that was awesome. Like a peek into that genius brain of yours that keeps coming up with music that really resonates within! I really liked the connection of modes to moods. Seems to capture the purpose of them perfectly.

[@giuseppebifulco4848]

Rabea you ara amazing,have you always been so good with guitar?I'm a begginner and I totally suck,hope to become good as you are :) Hope to see some video like this dedicated to begginner player,Bless you Rabea,thank you for doing that :)

[@RobbieTayVaughan]

That fret board!

[@Sutich]

I almost never comment on any video, but this was top notch. Thanks Rabea!

[@Buffrt66]

That is an awesome looking/sounding guitar. Those Chapman guitars are getting better every year.

[@jonprudhomme7694]

Cool video. Easy to apply ideas to help put some context around exploring tones and effects. Like playing with ambient guitar tracks, and this will be fun to experiment with. Keep the great vids coming!

[@Bracero25]

Children of Bodom live 2006-"Clash of the booze brothers" is the best example I've ever seen this

[@giuseppebifulco4848]

Hey Bea,I'm getting obsessed with modal playing,would love to see more on that subject,please would you like to sheds more light on that subject?I'm learning all the mode with your video course on musicisu,but I'm stuck in the same key and I find confusing moving around the neck,please any advice would be a blessing!Thanks!!And Thanks again for being such an inspiration,muuch LOVE :)

[@martintaylor1701]

Interesting - I like getting some insight into the thinking behind your approach. I've been enjoying the more ambient stuff of late. Any plans to try this kind of thing with a rhythm section? A little free-form, experimentation could be cool.

[@ridesingletrack]

Thanks for sharing this. Really cool concepts. I learned modes in a "technical" way if you want to call it that (relative/parallel), but this just seems so much more practical. It makes a lot of sense to focus on notes that specifically highlight the chords you're referencing and the intended emotion. This is a great exercise suggestion and I'm excited to spend some time with it. Cheers, man!

[@runnningonempty]

YES,YES,YES

[@thomasrambaud7146]

Could i suggest a thing: to play a guitar with an obvious fretboard... Îd love to follow you more easily on your noodling (excuse my bad english, and thanks for this approach, and the music!!)

[@TraneFrancks]

Hey, Bea. Just want to say how much I adore your playing. I also want to say I hope the knee is fully healed after that 'board crash.

[@alex7leadg]

I did not know i needed this (raises eyebrow) thanks Rabea!

[@lefujyou]

That neck!!, on that guitar.......wow

[@sinnerorsavior]

Maybe just go for the pentatonic scale major/minor. But change it when the chord changes. Relying on the modes too much can often be a disadvantage. Great lesson btw. Jazz guitarists dont play the modes, they outline chord tones. But it is of course easier said than done if you have a busy chord progression. 😅

[@mortin2608]

Very useful cheers Bea

[@Jonathan-tn7id]

Really interesting video thanks big bas, enjoyed that

[@brotherdoom2406]

Excellent approach to modes. I’ll have to give this a try.

[@lmcf_gtr]

Hey man, looking forward to watching this! Also today's the two year anniversary of me getting those Toska and Chapman tats 👌

[@ReVeRbx-fe5wr]

God, I love that Mayones.

[@My.Guitar.Journey]

Love everything you do bea and that guitar looks gorgeous 🤘🤘

[@CoachPyroTom]

This content is so good, please make more of it

[@njmetfan]

VERY David Gilmour. I fucking love it.

[@RyanUpward]

This is an awesome insight into your playing dude! Loved the video so inspiring!🔥🤘🏼🖤

[@Kaiman1962]

Wonderfull Rabea....its so Great!!!!

[@67er_matze97]

great lesson and stellar tones !! ...hope you are having good progress with your knee !!

[@frankgro6059]

A New guitar Gold rises

[@shanedaniels5191]

Love it!! .. Wonderful Tone's and Awesome Playing .. 🙂✌️

[@MrPica666]

ahahahah thats exactly how i go about modes and playing over chords...awesome video !!!

[@gameofsymbols9661]

more on this would be killer - great lesson already though brother - more would be greatly appreciated

[@bneum]

I like this, I think I've always had this question though: is your ability to know which notes to play based on theory or sound? Or both? For any other guitarist as well. You know exactly where to go next, is it because you can sort of map it out theoretically in your head? Like seeing a string of notes/patterns/shapes/scales etc. in front of you and you can see them on the fretboard and know which ones fit with the key or mode you're in? Or do you just intuitively know that "fret 10 on the 4th string" fits because you know what that note sounds like and that it would sound good? If so, then I guess the idea is to continue to practice so much so that you can know what each fret/note is going to sound like, like I guess just aural training. I have noticed a little bit that when I try these types of exercises, I stay around the scale that seems to fit with the drone chord/progression I am using, But it's all just the same scale and notes, I guess I just need to explore a little bit more and even if I hit a wrong note then just either make it work or use that as practice and learning for which chords/notes fit the best? So have you just exercised this so much that you just know which notes and chords won't fit? I hope that question makes sense.

[@giuseppebifulco4848]

Bea,love that and the other modal video,incredible! I'm trying to learn the guitar,actually I sign on musicisum on your begginner course :) but apart some blues stuff,I really love this kind of playing.Can I ask you an advice,since the guitar world is so vast and sometime I feel overwhelmed by the amount of information and genre and what to practice and how,that very often I feel lost..What do you think,since I'm in love with this kind of style,is it better that I focus on learning mode and practicing phrasing?Thank you Bea :) All the best :)

[@Luixkorrea]

Great approach! Very helpful!

[@shaundarley4108]

You clever man. Very engaging. Thanks.

[@jay3146]

And then we remember how good the minor pentatonic sounds.

[@ryanstacey4016]

Thank you

[@Mdougherty8054]

Amazing playing as always. Cheers

[@riccardominuto]

Simply my favourite guitar player. This was soooo cool! More eyebrows raising coming soon, I hope

[@josuastangl7140]

I'd love a similar video about playing over chord progressions instead of just a drone

[@kapers5772]

Well, now I just wanna try and do something like that. If you could do something similar with ambient chords that you like to use I'd be really excited to watch. Also if you could share some tips for this kind of tones, especially if they are achievable with simple plugins, for us that dont have pedals I 'd be grateful. ROCK ON BEA

[@richardstone2908]

Enjoyed this one cheers Rabea

[@gregorydickie9667]

Great video and thanks for the advice.

[@Singlehand_Music]

Exactly the lesson I was looking for 💯

[@larrydj549]

Dave Larue I like those chimey tones he gets on that too

[@SpectrumDIY]

Really good playing!

[@mattyh2180]

Love this.

[@hessammehdizadeh3239]

More of these lessons pls

[@Supardanil]

The people are chanting man! Ambient album! Ambient album!

[@kanehicks9321]

Always inspirational man!! Great vid and lovely sounds. May I please borrow the SLO-100

[@ricodietzsch5762]

please more videos like this

[@ajaykumargoel9398]

For memorizing modes, I Don't Play Loud Music At Lunch. Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian/Natural Minor, Locrian :)

[@Chris_Nouvelli]

This is brilliant! Thank you!

[@ajaykumargoel9398]

@@Chris_Nouvelli No problem at all :)

[@elus1ve0ne64]

Very helpful video .. 👍👍