Understanding Modal Chord Progressions

[@TheYellowWoodRoad]

8 yrs of guitar but you're the best teacher I ever had till date

[@Bazinga22199]

Dude you actually made m understand it so much better! I watched so many videos from the more “popular” KZbin music channels and none of them used the circle of fifths to teach it

[@zombieguitar]

Thanks man! Ya, I hope to become one of those more popular KZbin channels one day. This one is constantly growing though 😎

[@Jbeliski]

You are a very good teacher. You seem to be able to understand what the learner is struggling with without even needing to ask. That is such a good skill that so many teachers couldn't be bothered with or perhaps just don't really understand themselves what they are teaching.

[@poultryabcgh]

Jbeliski yeah I think he has been in such situation before...

[@GaryBook]

He is a great teacher.

[@daveg5857]

I watched several good videos on modal chord progressions, and not one pointed out that the more chords, the less likely the progression is to feel modal. This was key to my understanding of the significance of modes. Now, I'm starting to get it. Thanks.

[@lynettesmithmusic3223]

I've found that is the case quite a bit with these sorts of videos. The simplest concepts are overlooked.

[@dougjutz5407]

Thank you. Your explanation provided a key element that most mode explanations are missing... Chord Progressions.

[@umbertoongaban1623]

The way you show things is 100 times better then all those people on KZbin.

[@Carl1703]

I play the piano (well try to 😊) and this guy explains music theory in way I can really understand. I've learned more here than anywhere else. Respect! 👌🙏

[@TeeDOG6]

One of the top music theory instructors on KZbin.

[@alcaldealer8515]

Glad I found your videos zombieguitar ! 💯 agree

[@roadkill2176]

You know it !!! Brian is the BEST instructor on the internet by far !!! A+++++ all the way !!!

[@rexbenemerito1943]

Agree. Super good teacher.

[@DiegoRuedaz]

Not one of the best, He is THE best one

[@disciple678]

200000% correct

[@zombieguitar]

Woah...I just noticed I'm almost at 10K subscribers. Thanks for the support everyone!!

[@TheNineLives09]

You really need to make more song tutorials.

[@iamandes4455]

You deserve it Brian! I hope you get to 100,000 soon!

[@6-string6string13]

Brian Kelly I just found you today after years on KZbin on lessons and songs and scales.

[@illjeff1]

Brian Kelly doin well friend

[@Divedown_25]

Just subscribed. 15K subs now. There is a simply reason why you gain subs. Keep going...

[@Duderonemy]

I've had many people try to teach me about modes, people who make money as music teachers and professional jazz players... I've understood the "math" but not the practical usage, until this lesson. Seriously, the hardest part of teaching is remembering what it's like "not to know" the material. You nailed it! Thank you so much.

[@edt9666]

Brian, your method of delivering complex concepts so that are UNDERSTANDABLE is outstanding. After watching countless theory videos for guitar, which were ok, but they were like driving a car with square tires....it'll get you there, but you're going to have a headache when you're done. You combine the theory AND its application in such a way that it makes sense. It's extremely relevant and inspiring to me. I'm self taught and never was able to really grab much out of books. You make studying the guitar fun again. I so appreciate the clarity of presentation. Your videos are worthy of watching them over and over. Much appreciated!

[@Jeff_H_the_Guitarist]

The term " characteristic chord combination" adds so much clarity to helping understand a pretty complex concept. Great teaching and great teaching style.

[@zombieguitar]

Jeff Hight hey glad that I was able to get the concept across clearly!

[@piergraham4181]

Excellent lesson, thank you.

[@Seven-mc1pb]

@@zombieguitar Thank you for this great lesson.

[@bak2nature549]

Ok how many gave up on understanding theory let alone circle of fifths and modes? Then BAM! Brian comes out making all this not only understandable but applicable with real world examples so easy! All these years I had no idea how to tie things together, now I have seen the light!! Thank you so much for finding a way to help so many learn so well!!!

[@bobbyg65]

So true.. As soon as my teacher gave me the circle of 5ths.. I gave up.. That was about 30 years ago. I was just a kid.. Still messed around playing along with records best I could but have a new interest at really learning again..

[@Pikermanertjie]

As a classical pianist and composer, I found this video to be pure gold in understanding the use of modes! Thank you so much Brian. Respect from South Africa :)

[@zombieguitar]

Peter Johnson hey glad you found this lesson helpful! Thanks for checking it out!

[@fadingveil]

Out of the plethora of videos on modes. Finally, one that explains it in terms of application and how to identify a mode of a song by looking for characteristic chord combinations. Many Thanks

[@YatJac]

This is one of the best presentations regarding modal chords I have ever witnessed. Bravo! You are a gifted teacher.

[@donaldstan]

Just finished the circle of 4ths and 5ths , now watching this and making notes. It's actually so much easier for me since i've learnt about all of these terms and theory before. You've given great insights about the subject and quite an effective way of explaining it. Great Job.

[@waltergonzalez759]

Let me say a big thanks to you for this video. I’ve been playing for more than 20 years as a hobby to deal with stress (it calms me down) and always trying not to use the modes since I didn’t have any idea of how to use them. This video is a great starting point for me. Definitely subscribed.

[@rotad9967]

Great lesson - really helped me. Thanks Brian!

[@michaelglendinning1738]

I never put the modes into the circle until this video. I always made it way harder than it actually is. Thank you

[@riverreasteve]

Been playing guitar now for about 10 years and that is so far the best and most simplest explanation of modes I have come across. Thanks Brian

[@michaelsmusic3532]

Yeah, me too ... I've been playing many years and Brian's upped my game exponentially in a short period of time !

[@justjames1111]

Absolutely fascinating Brian.

[@sergioasuncion9710]

Excellent presentation. Thank you.

[@rickhilliard8570]

Actually, you're almost 20k now. Dude, you just turned on the lite in my brain. My students shall be amazed. Thanks man. Looking forward to more vids. I'm 60 years old and still teachable, keep it coming.

[@TheYoumadbro80]

This is the most incredible lesson on KZbin, it pieces together so much knowledge that has been floating around unused.

[@ericjiajulee8402]

Great explanation of the modes and modal chords in relation to the circle of fifths!

[@QuesoKing]

Wow! I never thought about using the Circle of 5ths to help learn different modes. I've been writing them out all This time. This is a game changer!

[@RKDriver]

Same. Never understood this circle and how it's used.

[@mikem668]

There's something special about Brian's teaching. I passed a college course in music theory years ago without being able to play a keyboard instrument. I did my homework like I was solving a math problem. So I'm not a beginner, but I am if you consider applying it to an actual multi-note instrument. (I started as a trumpet player, reading only.) Coming back to the guitar seriously with the benefit of books and KZbin I'm recalling many things. So I can work stuff out. But then I'm, okay, what's really happening. Brian gives someone like me just enough to make a leap. I get the why right away - why I want to know what he's teaching - with a partial understanding of the how. For example, I was most interested in Myxolydian. And trying to figure out a bVII from another song. I'd forgotten they were related. Now I need to go back and learn the other modes and their associated chords. Thank so much, Brian.

[@davidbradley1377]

You cover the very next stage for my evolution in modal understanding. Sir - you are the man! This is simply a gift from the heavens!

[@richardnja]

I've known about modal scales for a long time, inspired by Frank Zappa. To date have fiddled about mainly with Dorian [with minor pentatonic], Lydian [with major pentatonic] and Mixolydian using scales but not chord progressions. Thanks to you Brian I now have an understanding of how modal chord progressions operate in relation to the circle of Fifths! Thank you so much mate! I will now put a chart of the circle of fifths on my wall!

[@yongchaozhao1437]

Very informational lesson! Learnt something.

[@MrJStarbucks]

This unlocked a lot about the modes and the circle of fifths that I hadn't been understanding. Thanks a lot.

[@zombieguitar]

Jakob Jones no prob! Thanks for watching!

[@isseyrox]

Brian this is a superb lesson. I tried to understand modes many times since 2001 with several youtube videos and books but nothing comes close to watching this video. Brother I'm glad I saw your channel.

[@fattyz1]

Ok very helpful. I finally progressed through the modes and now my self teaching has led me to the circle of fifths . I was able to follow along. A few months ago I would have skipped this as too difficult.

[@herewegoagain7403]

been searching throughout youtube and so far, your vid is the only one about modes that actually "click" everything into place! thank you

[@zombieguitar]

Hey thanks for checking it out. If yoh haven't already, check out my latest 3 part series on modes. Part 3 is similar to this lesson here. Here's a link to part 1: www.zombieguitar.com/how-to-solo-across-the-fretboard-using-modes/ I think you will dig it 🤘

[@atanupalit6337]

Hey Brian, a big shout out from Bangladesh. You are a fantastic teacher, the way you teach the complicated stuffs just blew me away... You deserve a sub... Keep up the good work...

[@albertbrowning3958]

Your teaching style is perfect for the novice. You explain and demonstrate in such that we're not lost.

[@fromgermany271]

OMG, could I have had that instructions/information 40y ago, I would have went into a different profession. Now I just use it for personal pleasure. 🙏🏻👍🏻

[@AnnemieM]

Thank you Brian. You are a rare gem. I studied music and had so many teachers but you have to have that special extra to be a wholesome teacher and you have it. Great video.

[@GaryBook]

Your lesson are terrific. Thank goodness for you and Rick Beato. You make it so easy to understand music theory. I am in awe how clear you make the topic.

[@braddaddis371]

You tend to over deliver and give me more than I had even hoped to know. And, it’s much appreciated.

[@zombieguitar]

That's what I like to hear!

[@mulukenmekonnen5882]

here is the truth, you are one of the best guitar players and teachers and thank you very much for making this video

[@ChristianNally]

Dorian 7:17 Sample Song: Dorian: 17:45 "Evil Ways" Phrygian 9:41 Lydian 11:40 Sample Song: Lydian: 18:48 "Jane Says" Mixolydian: 13:56 Sample Song: Mixolydian: 19:41 "Jessica" Almond Brothers This is, by far, the best KZbin video on this topic. Here's the index for those looking for particular modes.

[@jep3305]

Very concise, very enlightening. The concept of "characteristic chord progression" is killer! Thank you!

[@douglascook258]

Your usage of the circle of 5th's chart to visualize the modes may have finally given me the ability to actually use modes in my improvisations. Very well done.

[@zombieguitar]

Douglas Cook awesome! Glad to hear that you are finding these lessons helpful!

[@Funkafella01]

Wow you just cleared up 10 years of frustration and confusion on how to implement modes within a progression! Thank you!

[@zombieguitar]

Awesome...glad you found this vid helpful!

[@tomrice1129]

This is the best video I have seen for modal chord progressions. Can’t wait to keep watching

[@mypeparo]

Brilliant Brian! I’ve dusted off my piano and taken up playing it again! Thank you so much for your clear and logical lessons!

[@davidlegalley1161]

Absolutely fantastic, practical, theory lesson explanation of modes & modal chord progression. I started out 2 years ago with Mark Newman's video explaining The Circle of 5ths and that video was my 1st introduction to The Circle of 5ths. I could see value in that theory lesson. Brian, your use, explanations & demos on and around the Circle of 5ths is priceless!! THANK YOU👍🏽👍🏽🙏🏾🤝🏼❗

[@mck974]

To reiterate what most of these comments are saying.... THANK YOU BRIAN! seriously... I've been " "playing" for 25 years and I've always been baffled by theory. Lazy bastard I am. You're shedding light on a very confusing subject. The modes and the circle of fifth always made me dizzy thinking about them. So much that I'd just go back to my normal comfy pentatonic style and major scale. I've been getting really bored and limited... these vids are great! Thanks again.

[@richardbetz1555]

Well done. You do a very good job of explaining exactly what is going on and how it’s used. Too many instructors fail to do the latter.

[@AFRoSHEENT3ARCMICHAEL69]

I've been struggling with understanding the circle of fifths until I came across this video. You seem to be able to understand what I wasn't understanding. Thank you so much!

[@byroncopley8825]

Really solid instruction and it clarifies and “augments” what I already know about modal chord progressions. Thank you.

[@SendilSelvan]

Thanks so much for this lesson dear Brian. You’ve put things so well in perspective and suddenly help clear this life long mystery to a large degree. Salutations and warm regards 🙏☺️😌

[@SwedenAsif]

I think I'm not gonna watch anymore videos of anyone except this gentleman. I'm so happy to tell you guys that now I've understood what's the choards progression theory. It took so many years to find this gentleman. My humble thanks to him.. Great jobb!!

[@zombieguitar]

Hey thanks for the words bud! I'm really happy to hear that you found this vid helpful!

[@SwedenAsif]

@@zombieguitar yes sure very much. Its open my brain. Soon I'll contact you to take classes but time is so scary with Corona virus some time can't decide whether now or latar. But I'm very much interested. Thanks Brian.

[@asdf9890]

This really made it clear how the modes work. I've never heard someone explain it so clearly, and it really opened my eyes and cleared the confusion. I think that the method of only using a few chords at most is the most important tip in this video, and it's what helped me to visualize and understand it. Before, I never changed the tonal center, I just tried with a major or minor progression and laid a modal scale over it. I've never been able to use dorian before and make it sound good with a chord progression, but using what you taught here I just did with a Am to D progression (key of G major).

[@zombieguitar]

Exactly. The #1 thing that people get wrong about modes is thinking that they are "patterns". This is only a guitar player problem, but it is one that makes me want to rip my hair out. Just remember, whenever someone asks "how do I learn to solo in key across the fretboard?" and someone responds with "learn your modes", a small kitten dies. Let's save the kittens and stop this madness!

[@sk8corpuz]

15 yrs playing guitar & never found something so simple to understand. Thankyou!

[@ElowenFaye]

I tried to understand the concept of modes for ages and it always remained a mystery to me. Until this day. Your video enlightened me. Thank you so much, Brian ! ! ! :)

[@borincando]

Bravo! I've been struggling for years to understand modes and their relation to chord progressions. Your lesson makes so much sense: "characteristic chord combination" and the need to keep it simple in order to highlight a mode. You are an amazing teacher. Thanks.

[@zombieguitar]

Gilberto Grafals thanks man. Glad this lesson was able to help make sense out of this stuff for ya!

[@kevinbrennan3914]

The way you've laid this out sure makes clearer than other posts here on KZbin. Thnx.

[@dodoendo1]

Finally something really useful!!! Theory, practice.... just great. Amazing, not just “string number.... fret position....”! Please, go on!!!

[@zombieguitar]

Igor Banac check out my website bud...I have so many more lessons like this! www.zombieguitar.com

[@fredericmorterol8059]

A nice trick I noticed in the circle of fifths presented here presented by Brian : once you have chosen your home chord, the characteristic chord to add is always the major chord the most distant from your home chord in the set of the 6 chords of the parent key ; e.g in C Major : in D Dorian, from the home Dm go for the G and you can add the relative Em in the progression. in E Phrygian, from the home Em go for the F and you can add the relative Dm in the progression. in F Lydian, from the home F go for the G and you can add the relative Em in the progression. in G Mixolydian, from the home G go for the F and you can add the relative Dm in the progression. Thank you for showing so clearly all the uses of the circle of fifths.

[@zombieguitar]

Nice one man!!

[@surfsailor2545]

Brian, this is an amazing explanation. I've been intermediate for decades now and this just solidified so much for me. Thank you.

[@kevinmcguinness1113]

Nice video, thnx. Referencing the group of 6 chords back to the circle of fifths was a real lightbulb moment for me and key to understanding the whole video. Had never seen it presented like that before, so thanks for simplifying it. Sometimes it's little steps connecting the dots like this that allow us to make big steps in our playing. Thnx again.

[@mickosullivan9412]

Hands down the most simple and best explanation ive ever seen. many thanks!

[@MikefromAlabama]

Wow! This is rich stuff. I don't think the ones who disliked this video have any concept of modes. I see the connection between the various diatonic scales and the modes. Very informative.

[@shiundusilas6815]

You are blessed with natural teaching skills bro, God bless you

[@oldrockhopper3652]

Great video Brian. Using the circle of fifths as context for explaining modes was very insightful. Really clear examples too.

[@jameschoi2751]

Yoooooo you make music so easy to understand. I’m very thankful to find your channel. Thank you very much!

[@andrewdarnley4608]

Thanks for the best description of modes I’ve ever come across !

[@makemoneyquad3254]

Laying constant nuggets of wisdom this guy! Don't need fancy cameras or Instagram backdrop bullshit just damn good teaching

[@zombieguitar]

Thanks man!

[@jeoffcalvinlachica4258]

3 words. You are GREAT!! Im not really into "SUBSCRIBE". You are the first online guitar teacher that I'm subscribing!

[@zombieguitar]

Jeoff Calvin Lachica that's awesome thanks a lot!

[@Blackdog4818]

Came for a guitar lesson, got Einstein's Theory of Guitar playing. That was pretty cool. Might be the first time I've understood a run. Thanks!!

[@yoloswag6242]

dude you're a fricking life saver. honestly a underrated legend, please make some music because i would love to buy it

[@gerardomendez5209]

Thank you so much for uploading your content. I stumbled upon it while researching circle of fifths and you are a very good teaching this!

[@jsarguitar]

This is the best video Ive ever watched about modes on guitar. Thank you so much modes are finally real to me.

[@martynspooner5822]

So well explained. It is the first time I have even begun to believe I can get a handle on this stuff . Many thanks much appreciated.

[@tjclancy]

Spectacularly well articulated, useful information! Well done sir. I’d like to see you expand on why those chords are the ones that you play for those modal sounds.

[@streetaware]

Brian you are a great teacher. Thanks for taking the time it's really appreciated'

[@nien-weiliao5844]

Thanks for your video. It is the last piece to help me fully understand the modal interchange after watching so many videos on KZbin.

[@tangerinesarebetterthanora7060]

The lydian example sounded like Jane Says by Jane's Addiction.

[@tubeamp2872]

Brian ive been playing forever. I had no idea the modal progressions are like a major or minor or think about it in that respect. I've never understood the relationship until I watched this. I've wanted lots of your videos. I come here for theory and other places for note 4 note solos.. I had read lots of bands like Santana use certain modes a lot and now thanks to you I see and hear it. Even though I've played 40 years I learn new things daily. I so wish I'd had KZbin in the 70s. Thank you for your time. You're an inspiration to KZbin. You helped me understand circle of 5th so good. I wonder who taught dwaye alman these modes as back then it was not easy to find someone that knew it. Who taught you all this Brian Berkley ? I went to business college 2 people I know in town went to Berkley..

[@newjack2166]

fantastic explanation very clear very well done clear presentation, No B.S. doesn't call us "dude" doesn't focus on his haircut or fashion. Just music, plain and clear. Great example songs. Opposite of "GuitarSage"

[@faiziiiiii]

I do not have words to express my gratitude man. Your explanations have touched my soul. The pace with which you have explained the circle of fifths struck a chord inside me, it was quite a surreal experience in the sense that for some reason modes started making alot more sense, ((when the student is ready the teacher shows up with the right words, that's how I feel)). I am of the opinion that a good teacher can take you places,and you did that for me with the circle of fifths and more. It is time to experiment. Keep up your efforts. and Know that you are absolutely making a difference in our lives. Stay safe,

[@zombieguitar]

Thanks for the words Fez. It really does mean a lot to me!!

[@faiziiiiii]

@@zombieguitar Hei Brian, I just got your course to support you but realized you gave me a gold mine of a high yield education. You will be one of the top 5 people who will have brought a positive change in my life and going forward. I am honored to be one of your students. I wish you all the best, and much success to your future endeavours. Just the sheer amount of material is inspiring in itself and is an excellent example of dedication. Thank you once again from the bottom of my heart! (Words don't do justice here man...) I am speechless... Stay safe,

[@zombieguitar]

@@faiziiiiii hey I really appreciate it Fez! Thanks so much! I think you are going to really like the site. Any questions, feel free to ask!

[@GaryBook]

This video was brilliant. If I get modes, all praise to you!

[@medrenbar]

Great video, the detail and the way you communicate and are at pains to describe what you are doing shows how much you care about teaching. I wish some of my teachers could have had your level of professionalism and thoughtfulness.

[@zombieguitar]

Thank you! I'm glad to hear that you are finding these lessons helpful!

[@Enno-n8i]

Thank you Brian! Now I've got it 🙂 For me you are definitely stopped the tidal wave I had been staring at; modal playing is much more than connecting scales and/or patterns in some technical order! I watched so many YT videos related to modes, may be the other guys told it correct the other way round, but in the end I had always missed the point. After watching yr videos several times :-) for me there were some critical moments in your videos to reach the point e.g. : '' You are not dictating the mode, it's the band / the modal chord progression within the key signature what dictates the mode''. WOW, that was the breakthrough. Dorian / Mixolydian are ''the same'' (Minor / Major related) and in the best moment you put the circle of fifth on the wall to explain it in context. God bless you

[@f1948s]

I am sure you have heard this before but you are an awesome teacher at explaining music so clearly. Thank you.

[@samhenry472]

You are deep and advanced. Guitar has a sweet sound, easy listening.

[@TheMeJustMe75]

Great video! Once I quit worrying about the scales and looked for the chords then modes made a lot more sense to me.

[@jessemontano6399]

Great lesson. You're channel is gonna be huge soon. Straight, direct, clear and concise. Keep em comin

[@Mezilesialan]

Very well done. A brilliant piece of work, and very useful for us. Thank you Brian.

[@PaulWelsh]

Thanks for the lesson bro, excellent stuff. You've made a lot of sense of the modes for me. Seeing them in relation to chords and the circle of fifths has helped me have one of those lightbulbs moments. Subscribed!!

[@Michael-bl4no]

Very clearly explained. Only other video that demystifies the modes as well is Vinnie Moore’s! The onscreen chords/scales are very helpful. You took a difficult concept and explained it extremely well.

[@thirstyhorsemongolia6264]

Hi. This was a really great video. I have watched several others, also very good. But this was the one that finally let the penny drop for me, because I could finally see the evolution of the thinking behind the system. This is what I understand: take a major scale (say C) and its 6 chords (ignoring the diminished chord). Make C the home tone and play the C scale over it (a C chord) and you will be in C maj. Make A the home tone and play the C scale over it (an Amin chord) and you will be in A min. So far no problem. But then the ancient Greeks continued the logic: i.e. Make D the home tone and play the C scale over it (a Dmin chord) and you will be in Dorian. Except that tonally you won't! This is the point at which J.S. Bach put his hand up and said, "Sure you'll get a Dorian characteristic sound but you won't be in Dmin. You'll be in Cmaj or Amin, because these are the only 2 effective tonal centers. Now I understand the thinking behind it. (Unexpected observation: the same logic could be applied to gender categorization with equal success.). Your explanation of the chord progressions nicely underlines the tonality point. I.e. stick to 2 chords and you can make a believable case. Add a couple more and you'll establish the tonality and lose the mode. Many thanks.

[@MichaelDHockenberry]

Thirsty Horse Mongolia could you elaborate a few more paragraphs please?

[@bddb]

Great teaching approach. I couldn't understand how modes work until I saw this lesson, your students are very lucky.

[@diduknowfacts101]

Awesome lessons bro! I’ll definitely check out the rest of your stuff.

[@GrainboyColor]

this was the most helpful lesson on music theory that I have ever seen. Thank you very much!!

[@ronniemack4831]

I’m learning to play keyboards. I watched your video on circle of fifths and you’re such a great teacher I am subscribed.

[@marsattacks7071]

Brian, you're excellent at what you're doing (and generous too). Thanks a lot ! From Canada