scale modes

[XeroStar33]

Could someone explain to me --in detail-- what each mode does to a scale? I'm guessing each mode will make a certain note in each scale a flat or a sharp, but I have no idea which does what.

[StratKat]

In detail its very simple.

 

Take any sclae of 7 notes with an octave on top like

 

C D E F G A B C

 

Start the scale and play through it from C to C and its one mode.

 

Start it on the D and play D to D and its a new mode.

 

Start it on E and play E to E and its another mode.

 

 

Each note played from one octave to another represents a different mode in ANY SCALE.

 

Whats the purpose in reality?

 

Well, when you play scales using the modes and make them FIT into your leads it gives a natually different flavor from just the plain old normal way of playing a scale. Each note as a starting point in a scale gives different feels and textures.

 

The easiest way to test this is to play a chord progression and record it for three minutes or so. Then solo over it with a different mode in each run thoguh and tape it.

 

When you go back and listen you will see some modes give an arabic flavor, some a haunting flavor, and others have their own descriptions.

 

Its all about versitality.

[thamiam]

I think this is what you were going for.

 

In C major (for example, holds true for all major scales)

C Ionian = C D E F G A B C = 0#'s 0b's

C Dorian = C D Eb F G A Bb C = b3 b7

C Phrygian = C Db Eb F G Ab Bb C = b3 b6 b7 b9

C Lydian = C D E F# G A B C = #4

C Mixolydian = C D E F G A Bb C = b7

C Aeolian = C D Eb F G Ab Bb C = b3 b6 B6

C Locrian = C Db Eb F Gb Ab Bb C = b3 b5 b6 b7 b9

 

Another way to arrange them is from 'brightest' to 'darkest' sounding, which basically means flatting one note incrementally.

 

C Lydian = #4

C Ionian = 0#'s 0b's

C Mixolydian = b7

C Dorian = b3 b7

C Aeolian = b3 b6 b7

C Phrygian = b3 b6 b7 b9

C Locrian = b3 b5 b6 b7 b9

 

Practics them both ways for the best understanding. The second way is a little easier and helps you see the patterns on the fretboard a little more intuitively.