The FASTEST Way To Learn MODES

This episode focuses on the essential elements of the Modes of the Major Scale. I discuss how they are constructed and how to use them in Composing and Improvising.
Mode of the Major Scale:
Ionian
Dorian
Phrygian
Lydian
Mixolydian
Aeolian
Locrian
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[@stevenriddick7091]

For those wanting to remember the order of the modes, here you go: I Ionian Don’t Dorian Particularly Phrygian Like Lydian Modes Mixolydian A Aeolian Lot Locrian

[@juliansedor7101]

I Don't Play Like Mister Alex Lifeson.

[@docwill184]

@Steven Riddick @Julian Sedor; Thank-you(!)

[@jimmunster57]

"I don't practice lousy modes a lot"

[@DMSProduktions]

A VERY good mnemonic!

[@blackarrows2747]

Steven Riddick I Don’t Particularly Like Mixolydian Anyways Lady I like it because the words sound like the life and there is one mode in it. Works for me

[@peskyfervid6515]

For guitar players, the easiest way to remember modes is to think in terms of tones and semi-tones. A major scale has a sequence of tones and semi-tones thus (Ionian mode): T T ST T T T ST. For the Dorian mode, start from the second tone of the major scale, thus: T ST T T T ST T. For Phrygian, start from the third tone of the scale, thus: ST T T T ST T T. For each subsequent mode, start from the next scale position, as you did with the first three. This works on the guitar because guitar necks are divided up into semi-tones, so it's relatively simple to play tones and semitones. All you need to know is the root note of the scale you want,

[@seethoseareyourtearsman.1758]

"Here's the lick." *Plays a 20 seconds long solo*

[@spikerztuber]

*proceeds to shred"

[@saurabhbatheja]

Thats why he is "Lick" Beato

[@chakstandsup]

The FASTEST Way To Decide To QUIT GUITAR

[@lylecrawford2794]

@@chakstandsup Rick put in a huge amount of effort to get to where he is though, so don't be discouraged.

[@James-hh1lq]

It's mad that all these amazing players on KZbin and they're not on a big famous band

[@WhaleBluePRS]

"Play a chord - play a scale - Play a chord." I got that from Joe Pass (instructional video maybe...) some years ago. His point was that you HEAR the sound of the scale in relation to a chord. Ex: C Major chord - C Major scale - C Major chord. That lets you hear it. Now do the same with: D minor chord - D Dorian - D minor chord. That lets you hear the natural 6th (vs the b6 of D minor/aeolian) over the D minor chord. I love that this video emphasizes the sound of the modes with the placement of the 1/2 steps. Instead of over analyzing it, let your ear figure out the sound of it and respond to what you're hearing over/against the chord. I always over analyze and don't just simply let me ear sort it out. I'm really guilty of more intellectual pursuit than just simply letting my ears do what God intended for them to do... Great video, thank you Rick!

[@smiley122688]

you don't even have to play the chord, just play the tonic in the bass and let your ear figure out the rest

[@WhaleBluePRS]

@@smiley122688 That totally works too. Nice thing about having a triad or 4-note chord is you can hear the difference modally (flat 6 vs. natural 6 for example over/against the harmony). So many ways to go about it and am in complete agreement, it's always about listening, first and foremost.

[@EvaluateAssimilate]

Your closing statement I relate to. My band mates just shut me up after a bit and want to get jamming lol thanks for the post!

[@hastingsbnsfnscalemodeler8594]

I have never played an instrument or studied music in any way. Rick’s “lesson” videos go completely over my head, but I still find them fascinating and have brought me to a very high appreciation for those who fill my life with music. Thanks to all of you out there making music.

[@TheRealCowlick]

@@alabamahebrew yes but as songwriters they understand some music theory. And Slash doesn't look the part but he understands music theory and scales very well and uses them very smartly.

[@croozin2]

That’s funny, same here! I do play guitar but love continually soaking up information.However, I have a friend who is a high school football coach. Not a musical bone in his body but he’s mesmerized by Rick’s videos. Keep up the good work, Rick.👍

[@cje9553]

Couldn’t agree more!!!

[@syn707]

You’re an interesting study …because I have always wondered how some non musicians tap into the complex sounds they hear. Musicians range from those who have played all their lives but only know the basic chord structures they first learned and are able to play popular music to those who continue to learn and advance their skill and knowledge base. All have fans who find value in their presentations.

[@DaveTaste]

No worries

[@nomad7412]

When I think of the time I have spent playing the guitar and other instruments, I have to say after nearly 70 years, this is the very first time I regret never learning the scales. You manage to put the instruction into an enjoyable perspective. I only recently found your channel and have seen enough of what you do to follow and continue my journey through the music part of my life. Respect to you.Rick

[@Marius-vw9hp]

Something that helped me learn modes was learning the most popular chord progressions for each one, and (try to) target the chord tones when improvising.

[@Chopins11th]

How or where did you learn the most popular chord progressions for each? Please advise as I wasn't able to ID the chords he used in that quick of a progression beneath his soloing. Thank you in advance

[@user-wb2ko3np9l]

that's really brilliant! I target the 1357 of the mode, never thought of chord progression, I think this would be a big improve for me

[@Marius-vw9hp]

@@Chopins11th I did some searching on the net, and analysed chord progressions from hit songs. I can give you some of my favourites: Dorian - i, IV (like Oye Como Va) and i, ii (like Come on baby light my fire). Phrygian - i, II. Remember that II is flat. Lydian - If you change chord it will probably not sound like lydian anymore so just keep it in one chord and improvise. Mixolydian - I, VII (like many Sublime hits).

[@Marius-vw9hp]

@@Chopins11th However, I always remember the progressions from the relative Ionian scale. Instead of thinking i, IV for Dorian I would think ii, V, since ii is Dorian relative to Ionian. If you reallyuy want to learn this, check out Desi Sernas books and internet course. His teaching method is so underrated its not even funny. You will learn all the modes and the CAGED system within a year.

[@Marius-vw9hp]

Specifically: the course called "fretboard theory". I have both the books from amazon (on my kindle) and the video course of the same name. After doing that course I went over to Fundamental Changes to learn jazz theory. Desi Sernas course is a perfect primer for ANY style you want to continue with. Fundamental Changes has great books on jazz for intermediate players. No disrespect to Rick, I love his videos and watch them for entertainment, but I never really learned to much from his guitar videos.

[@KerryLiv]

Rick, stay encouraged my musical brother! You are beyond gifted. The way you inspire and teach is life changing for so many, including myself. Thank you

[@andik6]

Simple tips I learn. I tried to learn on 1 key only for all the modes. I found that all modes can be recalled easily since the basic major chords is descending, and I can easily find the notes on the fretboard since I know most of the major scale on the fretboard. A Ionian : A Major scale starts on the 1st note A Dorian: G Major scale starts on the 2nd note A Phrygian: F Major scale starts on the 3rd note A Lydian: E Major scale starts on the 4th note A Mixolydian: D Major scale starts on the 5th note A Aeolian: C Major scale starts on the 6th note A Locrian: Bb Major scale starts on the 7th note I tried to solo while sounding the A open string over on the scale, and land on the root respectively. I understand know the different sound it reproduces, (as Rick mentioned several times and the way he put the scale in his order), it is still hard to memorize and I obviously need more practice. Thank you, Rick for the video.

[@jeremyjohn8]

Thank you ! Hahah this was the jigsaw piece my brain needed . After watching countless videos 🙌

[@dcp8nts]

That was like 11 minutes at a Pink Floyd concert.

[@JohnHobart]

I realize now that a WHOLE TON of film score sections that are intense suspense type stuff are using simple Phrygian mode. Rick kicks ass. I went to U of Michigan music school years ago and Rick so far is the best teacher I’ve had.

[@momorarr]

looking at the halfsteps and where they are made everything so clear,ty

[@justincarmonymusic7854]

This is incredible. I’ve been playing music for my whole life, and you explained a complex concept in such a straightforward way, and answered how to make this useful. I didn’t realize until this video that emphasizing the half step notes is what gives the mode its sound. It really drove home when you play an octave root and then the half step pairs. It was so crystal clear.

[@CentrifugalSatzClock]

Very nice! You'd have fun with the LAEL scales, I can tell. The ones that Alan Holdsworth rejected which sometimes have 3 consecutive half steps. They force bizarre harmonies and redundancies that can be inspiring. The original LAEL (Lydian-Aeolian) A,B,C,D#,E,F,G lead to the best monster LAEL scale where you flat the B and raise the G to create two sets of vile 3-half steps. A,Bb,C,D#,E,F,G#. At first its easy to just discard these scales for obvious reasons but by working with them and discovering their magical characteristics harmonically as well as melodically can lead you to some remarkable, fun and original excitement. For more LAEL Scales, respond to this message!! Viva Rick Beato!!

[@tpap6827]

Excellent explanation of the signature sounds of the modes being most prevalent at the two half step locations of each mode as the key signature of the major scale has 2 half steps which means each subsequent interval has the order of whole and half steps displaced such that the octave moves up by the interval from the key signature. I have never heard it explained so simply and then demonstrated so elegantly. Awesome video.

[@robertchanrussell2010]

I swear I could just sit back with a glass of wine and drift off away from the stresses of life just listening those improvs. Thank you Rick for all you do!! I will definitely get going soon on the Beato Book 3 (I read the first two pages of 2.0), and the ear training I signed up for (once I complete the audio looper I'm rewriting). To be honest, I've always just thought of the modes as "Play in a key, but start on the non-root note and only play 8". I have tried to view the fretboard based on the key I'm playing in. The only problem is that... I'm "stuck" with melodic playing or playing pentatonic scales. So thank you for introducing me to the idea of expanding beyond the "play only in this key" ideology.

[@patrickfarley8036]

Another short video about learning modes that goes really well with this one is from Signals Music Studios! Rick's video is more about what the modes sound like and the SMS video is more about how to easily remember how the order of Half and Whole Steps for each mode. A must see video!

[@ianbarcelos]

Thank god someone clarified that. People tend to overcomplicate things like that.

[@an0va]

that first lick was one of the coolest runs ive ever heard on guitar

[@SouihliAhmed]

Them Locrian synths had me unveil the mystery of the D'Angelo - Really love intro melodies.

[@thomaszonkowski2115]

I really love how you demonstrated the overall color of each mode

[@Valkanry]

Thinking of the half steps is a great way to find the character notes of each mode. ON guitar, its as easy as seeing where the one-fret distance notes are. Those spots have the half steps. I like to see them as patterns!

[@jonathanaspinall736]

I could listen to those improvs all day!

[@larrywall6967]

Thank you. I took lessons in the late 80’s from Jim Tyler who was a student of Link Chamberlain. I am just a hobbyist guitarist now but I love diving back into the modal theory and jamming over looper. It’s just got my own enjoyment but it’s great fun. I have been overlaying minor or major pentatonic scales over Dorian , Ionian and Aeolian depending on major or minor changes. I can do it well when the changes are slow but when they go fast I get lost. After 40 years of on an off practice habits I guess I will just smile and nod when some “giant steps” or “Donna Lee” . Thanks for reigniting my theory brain.

[@grizelda4526]

So cool think of these modes as having personalities, largely dependent on where the half steps are. Thanks for the great insight. This is one of those videos I’m going to watch often.

[@wezbarr]

The aeolian guitar part almost sounds like Opeth’s ‘Hours of wealth’ solo near the end of song. Nice

[@christopherdougherty7740]

Thank you for this,24 yrs of playing and I never understood the modes, you definitely made it easier to understand

[@TheStrick1976]

cool I sat down with my 335 and said I am tired of learning the shapes from the Beato book I wana play with the sound in my ear and there he was with a 335 and an Asus 2....Thank you Rick you make learning enjoyable and I actually learn and that's no easy task because I am a bit dyslexic and have ADD. After this lesson I think I will do some more of his ear training. It is absolutly worth it. Tedious and a bit frustrating when you get one wrong but so worth it. I hope to learn all my intervals by ear. His course is the best shot I have found. Making progress everytime I take the time to put in the work.

[@moseyingmariners]

This was an extremely helpful video Rick! I'll definitely be referencing back to this video when I'm working on my new album. You helped me understand using modes a lot better.

[@VRNocturne]

Every time I hear Rick play Locrian, I always wonder "why do people think this mode is ugly/unusuable?" It really does sound beautiful. It has a very distinct sound but that's the point of modes in general.

[@marvinlear5848]

I was curious myself after reading your comment, so I recorded the snippet of the chord from just before 9:06 that lasts about 1 second and looked at it spectrally (since I can't see his right hand completely). As he describes, it's a C locrian chord, for which he's playing (the notes that are the loudest): C (root), Eb (♭3), Ab (♭6), Bb (♭7). So, after telling us about how modes are best heard by listening for the half steps, he's actually not playing either of the half steps in that chord, which could be why it doesn't sound dissonant and "ugly". The half steps are between the 1 & ♭2 and the 4 & ♭5. He does play the root, but doesn't play the semitone up ♭2 and doesn't play either the 4 or its semitone up ♭5. On the chord that precedes it, though, the ♭2 is decently loud, so maybe he's playing it there and it's not just an overtone, and that preceding chord even has a bit of the ♭5, but it's still completely silent at the 4 frequency, so the dissonant half step there is not being played.

[@jilblanche]

Your Locrian example is pure tension and discomfort (in all the right ways...). Very beautiful.

[@steved2112]

That's some absolutely BURNING guitar, Rick. You're phenomenal.

[@axxeman6]

As a 57 year old guitarist who has had a pretty satisfying career, I must say your content is very inspiring!

[@samhudsonmusic1]

Rick, you should do a video of well known rock songs or solos even that are done in the different modes. I heard some cliffs of Dover in Phrygian there...would be an interesting vid and help ppl to understand what the modes sound like when they can relate it to something they know

[@davidbyers1151]

I just listened to a Jean-Luc Ponty LP, and now, after watching this, I understand/appreciate his music much more. That's what Rick does.

[@nubinshred]

I have seen a couple of his videos, all very useful but here is where I saw him play something of his, 😍 that tone!

[@BabylandStudio]

Amazingly great vid, and playing. Personally I use the acronym ICRTM for "I Can't Remember the Modes."

[@pickacaranddriver]

Rick! Could you make a video that categorizes songs that are very characteristic to specific modes so that we can make playlists in Spotify (or whatever else) to study them?

[@charleslambiase5670]

I accidentally stumbled upon your channel although I'm a bass player being trained by a old school acoustic jazz style guitar player who was left-handed and who smoked the pipe while giving me my lessons coming from an all Italian neighborhood my teacher being an old Italian guy and going through all this stuff with modes and scales and everything else and chord spellings and I wondered why and asked him why do I need to learn this stuff and he said to me you will thank me and understand it one day well that was a 1976 when I was 12 when I was 14 I worked consistently up until I got tired 3 to 4 days a week until I got the bandwagon around 2015 but just now I do studio and special appearances with my bass playing it's for sure took me a long way and everytime I play something I think about what he told me so I'm really Diggin your conversation and also I play a 1960 Les Paul junior Bass and a variety of vintage Gibson basses as well but mostly I'm a fretless guy so everything's applicable here we are talking in the 70s sorry about the novel I wrote here but nevertheless great stuff!!!

[@Mike_Spor]

i always think like this: i look at LOCRIAN spacing (not fret numbers) of ...5... strings (the low E and high E are the same)... 1,2,4/ 1,2,4/1,3,4/1,3,4/1,3 and always move 1/2 step up on the B...repeat Low E spacing on the high E. Therefore....look at the Locrian scale for example. then move this box of numbers all over the board, your landing notes will make the modal tonality you choose. Hope that makes sense. that half step recoginition that Rick talks about, sealed the deal even more so. thanks Rick.

[@user-hq8mx7mn3u]

I've never heard him play guitar like this, some great legato and some sweep picking? I never came to these videos for technical guitar business

[@SanjayMenon]

The only mode that I can learn in 10 mins is called the *"EASY MODE"*

[@synriser6742]

For me it's the ear mode

[@jherman]

I laughed

[@lexusmaxus]

this is so refreshing not doing the modes in order and focusing on the half-steps major kudos sir Beato

[@gtrgareri]

Absolutely loved this lesson Rick! Thanks for always sharing your gift.

[@yaguitar]

Never added a video to my "watch later" list faster.

[@bestboy897]

Lol

[@figgiesmalls1760]

I watched this NOW

[@davidpandone4944]

Exactly what I needed to get me to the next step... thanks Rick (made my favs too)

[@yaguitar]

@@figgiesmalls1760 running around after the kids lol

[@yaguitar]

@@davidpandone4944 the guy is awesome, one of my inspirations for my channel !

[@rapid13]

Rick: Here's Lydian _Steve Vai flows from fingers_ Also Rick: Here's Aeolian _Eric Johnson flows from fingers_

[@johnambrose9694]

There's a pretty direct use of an Eric Johnson lick in the Phrygian Mode example too at 7:02.

[@heckler73]

@@johnambrose9694 Something tells me that wasn't an accident.

[@docwill184]

@@johnambrose9694 E.J.: "Blocked!"

[@RickBeato]

Of course it wasn’t an accident. I was going to put in text there but wanted to see if anyone noticed it. I was thinking do young people even know Eric Johnson anymore?

[@Snarkapotamus]

Satriani lives in Lydian..

[@donovan665]

World Class Education, 10 minutes hear the structures now go experiment and play. Brilliant!!

[@davidrowe3966]

Thank you for this lesson. Very eye opening. looking at the modes as major or minor seems like a no brainer now , but never gave that a second thought. The half step intervals in each mode is a light bulb moment for me. Spent the the last three hours practicing in the Lydian mode. A very important lesson. Will study over and over. Good job!

[@metaljay2896]

Not one person: Rick Beato: makes locrian sound beautiful

[@vettezeppelin]

I do “sleep mode” really well followed by “hungry mode” then back to sleep mode!! 😊

[@RockinSG]

And "a la mode" too!

[@krelnarb]

This is exactly what I was working on this morning. Thanks again Rick! Love the book.

[@acadams5]

I learned more about HOW TO HEAR modes from this video than from all my ear training & theory classes in college. Sometimes, a guitarist needs to learn from a guitarist

[@zaviercadorin6244]

Cliffs Of Dover? 7:04 haha!

[@NahreSol]

Great video!!!

[@RickBeato]

Thanks Nahre!

[@xxXthekevXxx]

So combining the half steps with the root gives you the characteristic tones? This is an amazing explanation nobody else has said to me and it helps them stick a lot better!

[@jimbrown7812]

I was a music major in college. No one there explained modes as well as Rick. You the man!!!

[@KelpYT]

I can hear the modes but every one of his solos sounds like the shreddy guitar music playing in the background when Bill and Ted go to the future

[@Maddy29]

Thank God I'm not the only one...

[@jasonfella265]

haha yep I agree. Plus, that kind of playing isn't generally my thing

[@Piplodocus]

But the whole reason I want to learn the modes is so I can go to the future! It’d be excellent!!!

[@GangdangleOfficialChannel]

So like Stevie Vai

[@dantheman52420]

It's important to pick even a simple melody and reinforce it in a solo line in my opinion, otherwise you end up with the noodly guitar note mess

[@frmcf]

Everything you need to know about the modes of the major scale: Ionian is the major scale Play it with a flat 7 instead and it's called Mixolydian - get used to what that sounds like Aeolian is the natural minor scale Play it with a raised 6 and it's called Dorian - get used to what that sounds like Don't worry too much about the others until you're completely used to these more common ones.

[@pip07200]

Great tip. Thx

[@hat8918]

Maybe you can clarify a question I've always had about modes. I understand, that if I'm in the key of a-minor, and the chord progression hits an F-Major chord, I can play F-lydian over that F-Major chord, which is simply the notes of A-minor/C-Major, but resolving the notes on F. Where I get confused, is when the chord progression goes back to A-minor, and I still want to play lydian....Is that possible? The only thing I would know to do, is to play notes from an G Major scale, but resolving on the A note, which would be A-lydian. So, basically, accent the F#, and resolve on A, but that doesn't seem right to me. Can you clarify?

[@robertpien8708]

Hey Rick I can't thank you enough of what you doing for music on KZbin. It's really amazing how you explain this lesson using different scales and also giving us examples of how sounds can really enriched your ear that gives us new ideas is priceless. I love how the way you educate us and then open us to unleash and create our own creativity . GREAT JOB YOU ROCK :)

[@obi-jon8507]

So good Rick! I love the emphasis on understanding the sounds and the different emotions that the modes each bring. Gonna be referring back to this one and thinking about it for a long time! 👍 Thanks for everything you share!

[@12ryudragon]

I Don´t Play Like My Aunt Lucy Ionian Dorian Phrygian Lydian Mixolylidian Aeolian Locrian

[@john564holloway]

Kool, bro!

[@70snostalgia]

Thanks a big bunch, matie!! The best i could come up with was I Don't Pretend Like Mixing Alcohol......Locrian (say as though drunk).

[@mistermarkeys]

Nice. Thanks for that. I’ve been struggling to come up with a mnemonic for these.

[@80sMeavyHetal]

Every RPG music on this planet: 2:06 2:30 4:08 5:33 6:38 9:06

[@david_lynch]

LOL

[@nandomichelin]

Aeolian has a fascinating quality, the ambiguous minor/major sound. I understand the aeolian sound as that of an inverted major triad with the third on the bass. In other words, using a 5th on the left hand to anchor everything creates a b9th with the characteristic note of D aeolian, which is Bb. To avoid that conflict, the real chord is not D minor but Bb/D Theory books may or may not agree with me on this, but that approach helped me understand and apply the beauty of the Aeolian sound.

[@robertwebb5878]

Your knowledge of recording and production, of music theory, and contemporary music trivia, your virtuoso playing of guitars, bass and piano, the way you are able to teach and covey, how cool you are, and the inspiring settings you do your clips from, are beyond mind-blowing!!! I don't know a musician who wouldn't dream of having your skill set! I love watching anything you put up! Incredible - and so brilliant that you share as you do - thank you!!!

[@EddieChamo]

Plays Dorian sounds *Halo soundtrack has entered the chat*

[@LDGamesPC]

the video of steve vai doing the halo 2 main theme is really sick check it out if you haven't seen it

[@Thehellwithit]

This is the best comment

[@colehunt7371]

I heard the reach sound track lol

[@38clonewars]

*The Flood has entered the chat*

[@elitecombatfitnesscentral6170]

Every time you do one of these videos it reminds me "why did I not get that dang EHX Freeze pedal"!

[@Bronco541]

Thank you so much for videos like these Rick. I've been playing/practicing for years but I never really learned of or got into modes and this type of stuff. I practice with scales and try to write music but I keep coming up short. I couldn't figure out how to get these sounds I've been hearing from all walks of genres. Here it is!! This is why! *This is exactly what I've been missing for so long*!!!! Thanks!

[@503matelo]

E mixoydian gives that Xanadu sound! This is the most thorough explanation and exploration of modes I have ever seen and heard. And all in 10 minutes!! Rick is the man!! Wow!!

[@jtharp]

I just learned more about modes in 15 minutes than I had in 30 years of playing music. Yikes ...

[@OnePersonUnique]

Yup, me too.

[@eViolinity]

@@OnePersonUnique me too :-)

[@MegaAnarcist]

True!!!

[@kyonjannis]

I used to know these things... then I lost them completely. I never thought I could get them back so easily and fast! Thanks a thousand!!

[@newusernamehere4772]

This was the first thing I learned about guitar and the reason I picked it up (modal solos by Zappa, Hendrix, Garcia, Santana, Gilmour, Hazel, Hampton, Page etc) and it saved a lot of time. I learned Mixolydian before the major scale, but I'm sure it's gotta be mind-blowing to discover after all that time, guessing you were more of a Bebop type player going off chord tones which is a lot more challenging (and possibly more rewarding harmonically). I'm just recently getting into the chordal composition/improv, I don't really know harmonic minor modes that well yet either lol, really there was no reason for me to watch this video besides Rick's Sick Licks which are very slick as usual

[@muuhn]

this should be called, how to play the twin peaks soundtrack ;)

[@StratMatt777]

2:08 sounds like the first track off Pink Floyd's "Momentary Lapse of Reason" album called "Signs of Life".

[@InvertedPopesMusic]

Brilliantly explained. The tonal quality of the modes is something I have been trying to use for ages but now I know where I was going wrong!

[@BdogMusic]

Sir, I learned more watching your video about this than any of the others, and for the guitar it is really clear. Understanding this will not happen over night. Sir your channel is the absolute truth. Thank you!!!!!

[@michaelaiello9525]

For me this lesson is more aptly named “How to learn the characteristic sound of each mode”. It’s a great video, thank you Rick,.. but I don’t know if it’s the fastest way for me to learn the patterns and fingerings of each mode. That’s what I was hoping for,, maybe that’s a different video?

[@romeou4965]

A click bait title for sure. Left me disappointed

[@dudleydooright]

@@romeou4965 Disagree. When I first tried to learn the modes (years ago), I was trying to memorize the notes and patterns.. kind of a nightmare because so much to learn that way. What finally clicked was doing it this way. When he plays a chord with a Dorian sound (for example)... just get your guitar out and try playing some patterns up and down the neck with that chord sound. You'll be able to hear if you hit it wrong... and you'll be developing little patterns in a mode by making it sound right. Then... playing in a particular mode is easy (stick to the modes that sound best to your ears at first). The only thing he didn't cover is "when" to play them. That's what trips most people up.. but it's quite easy. When a song starts, jam on the chords and see what the progression is.. Is the rhythm player playing D, Am, C, G and then back to D? Well that's the key of G, right? Sure.. but he's starting and resolving on the D... so the song is actually in D Mixolydian. Play those runs you practiced in D Mixolydian and your solo is going to sound best (over these chords). Try playing a G major solo and it doesn't sound quite right.. but look... D Mixolydian is the same notes and it sounds right! Final tip.. he's soloing in E Mixolydian at 5:45 (for example). What's an easy way to practice that? Well it's a major E chord with a flat 7. That's just an E7... so you could just play E7 chords all up and down the neck and create riffs out of that, but instead of thinking of it that way, for every mode.. play a chord and then land on the note that makes the mode unique. For E Mixolydian, that's the flatted 7... and the flatted 7 note is a D... so pick an E chord in 1st position and at the end, land on a D. Go to the 3rd position, play your E chord a different way and land on the D at the end... Go do it at the 12 fret. What's happening now? You're basically playing an F there (to make the E chord) and then finishing your lick on B15. That's Mixolydian! Hear that? It's the same notes as A major.. but totally different sound! I actually come back to this video on occasion just to hear the sounds and go over runs for a mode.

[@daysmo]

So I’ve paused this to write this comment,which is I ain’t gonna learn the modes in ten minutes .I’ll edit in ten let’s see! .......Ok honestly nobody has ever explained learning where the half steps are in each mode to me before ,there maybe a chance I can get this into my thick skull .thanks rick!

[@TheJML1975]

daysmo So.... have you learnt them yet?! 🧐

[@daysmo]

TheJML1975 hah I wish !!he can explain them in ten minutes I can’t learn them in ten minutes I’m probably not even intermediate.but at least I’ve got a way of visualising them on the neck now!

[@TheJML1975]

daysmo 👍🏻 awesome. I unfortunately would only learn if I was sat in a classroom type environment, as I just can’t absorb/retain theory and I lose heart to quickly when by myself.

[@elrond200]

Wonderful! Easy to understand for everyone! Thank you Rick!

[@cydonia3]

I like the Phrygian sounds. youre really good in explaining the scale/modes. thumbs up.

[@guitarmeetsscience]

They're, like pentatonics but with like more notes and stuff.

[@GatorDunnAZ]

Heptatonics, bruh!

[@scottt9382]

6:25 Rick frightened by the b2

[@Ibanizt]

Thank you for being an awesome musician, Rick!

[@Thatmusicdude91]

Rick. Bro. You're a very appreciated person. Full of knowledge. Thanks for existing.

[@ExasBits]

I was waiting for “...and my ear training course will help you hear this better! Coming out...” 😂

[@adampecsek]

So I actually learned all my modes years and years ago (though I've since forgotten quite a bit) and one thing I have never quite understood about how to use them is what distinguishes a modal sound from its corresponding scale in the same key signature. For example, what distinguishes between improvising in G lydian as opposed to D major? Is it just which root (G or D) is emphasized, or are there other features?

[@adampecsek]

@@Aint1S but doesn't every mode have a corresponding natural major or natural minor scale? That's my recollection.

[@Wolf-Spirit_Alpha-Sigma]

As far as I know, yes, it's the root emphasis. In other words a simple reorientation of the normal scale around a new root. But, there might something more to it. From the above video alone, it seems that modal chords define a new harmonic landscape (and a new chord progression) which you can fill as you would normally do around a chord.

[@igotkeyzzz]

Adam P I think it’s the because it revolves around that root. G Lydian is its mode because they make it resolve back to G. Same with D Ionian and all other modes. They all resolve into a key center with minor/major attributes

[@adampecsek]

@UCYbd_nhPG-NwRsbHsqSK7hQ I know all that. My question remains: if i were to tell you that a particular series of notes used only the scale tones of the C major scale, what other information would you need to tell me whether it's also whether it's in a particular mode. Is it only whether the root of the mode (e.g., second step for Dorian) is emphasized? If not, what else?

[@GaryBook]

Adam P I believe it is where the half steps occur. In Major, it is WWHWWWH. In Dorian, it shifts to WHWWWHW. C major scale becomes D Dorian, so you start on the D note, but the relationship between the notes change because Dorian is 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7, which has the minor third, so it would be similar to playing a minor chord, but in this case, you have a minor interval because you start at the D note and flat the third playing the F note, which is in the D minor chord (D F A) vs. D major (D F# A). It is all about the relationships between the notes and the corresponding sounds they create. Please comment to make sure I got this right.

[@thomaszonkowski2115]

Rick! Your on fire these days!!! One of my top favorite videos you've posted (so far) super useful. You have a talent for cutting the flab from super technical music theory

[@schwarg]

Rick thanks for making these. Been playing for 15 years and just now starting to grasp things like modes thanks to your more accessible explanations.

[@Demonstray]

The FASTEST Way To Get Inspiration For Your Next Japanese RPG SOUNDTRACK

[@danielphillips97]

Here's another way to remember the modes. All the white notes in the key of C are Ionian, all the white notes in the key of D are Dorian, all the white notes in the key of E are Phrygian, all the white notes in the key of F are Lydian, all the white notes in the key of G are Mixolydian, all the white notes in the key of A are Aeolian, and all the white notes in the key of B are Locrian. So basically, if you ignore all the black notes, you just ascend up each white note to match each mode.

[@tommarko9983]

Rick- that is one killer Lydian lick!! yes!! I love it!

[@ChristopherSiu]

Seriously great stuff here Rick. You really opened my eyes to how practical and useful modes can be. Thank you!

[@ThorneyedWT]

Umm... Is A Lydian is basically E major played over A?

[@dharmiltrivedi8417]

Notes of E major scale with the new root, A.

[@martinepstein9826]

That's the definition of a mode. Same notes, different root.

[@deminidze]

@@martinepstein9826 if im getting it right then in Lydian A there wont be C# D# F# G# sharps but just D#, how im supposed to play those notes then? and G# triggers me most of all since it turn E into minor key, what im missing to understand it?

[@martinepstein9826]

@@deminidze "How am I supposed to play those notes?" Depends on the instrument. You can pluck a string, press a key, blow through a reed... It sounds like you already know the notes so this will be easy. A Lydian is the same notes as X major. Can you solve for X?

[@andy_182]

@@martinepstein9826 I don’t get it

[@mrdragoon3344]

Sounded like Eric Johnson on the Phrygian mode

[@AlfOfAllTrades]

Very rcognizable, for sure :)

[@WileyKRobertson]

MrDragoon334 Playing that trademark over minor. Hmmm. Maybe he’s just honing his skills for an upcoming WMTSG vid.

[@user-hq8mx7mn3u]

@@WileyKRobertson well cliffs of dover is a great song, i think he should do what makes this show great, and analyse live videos from yt (like the one of cliffs of dover)

[@WileyKRobertson]

Yeah never saw him play it like the recording, nor the same way twice.

[@iamwhatieat9639]

I thought he sounded like him with the Dorian mode

[@jimpottssoundandvision]

This is the first helpful connection I have been taught on modes ever. I have tried to tap into the power of these for a long time.

[@Mr.Denaro]

I really like how mixolydian sounds! I think I actually absorbed something finally. Using the keyboard to demonstrate helped so much. I also like how you took the picture out while you played so we were completely tuned in with our ear. Finally I have an idea of modes I swear I’ve watched so many videos I almost purchased a lesson on it but luckily I found you

[@colorblindplat59]

Do you ever see a guitar and just like Eat it

[@Chewwy153qt]

Only when I see geniuses like Rick.

[@SeemsLikeSomething]

I’ve definitely done that a few times, but every time I did, it turned out it wasn’t a guitar, but a carrot.

[@colorblindplat59]

@@SeemsLikeSomething what the actually hell

[@joeb3590]

@@SeemsLikeSomething funny when I did it, it was a sandwich.

[@kevnar]

That Phrygian mode sounds like every movie soundtrack ever. That scene when the main character realizes some horrible fact and can't go on.

[@juanvaldez5422]

What mode is stereotypical porn music in, I wonder? Bet 'ole Beato could answer that one..lol

[@AaronPedersen73]

This is one of the greatest instructional videos I've ever encountered. Something has clicked for me after watching this 28 times. Forget "dwell on the roots" it's all about those half steps. Thanks, Rick.

[@trumjohannsmancave]

I love this concept of focusing on the half steps of each mode!! Great help😀👍🔥🎹

[@SeanCoomes]

That phrygian lick sounded so much like a darker version of cliffs of dover

[@rodolfobevilacqua6862]

Agree

[@Kurlach]

I thought my KZbin settings had screwed up and tried to change it back into English.. then I realised I need to study 🙄🤦🏻‍♂️☹️

[@RAkers-tu1ey]

That was the cleanest explanation of the modes I have ever seen. I think I finally understand the organization now, Thank You.

[@DMidNyte]

Been watching you videos for some time. And i know you're a great musician but i never saw you play guitar, and i am most impressed with your guitar soloing skills. Im still trying to learn the modes, and your a great instructor. Thank you for your videos