If your new to the modes your probably thinking what are they? And how do I use them? The modes are simply 7 scales built from the major scale.
The major scale has 7 notes and every note has a scale assigned to it. For example in the key of G the notes are G A B C D E F# so you would have 7 modes using G A B C D E F#.
G ---- > Ionian A ---- > Dorian B ---- > Phrygian C ---- > Lydian D ---- > Mixolydian E ---- > Aeolian F# --- > Locrian.
The same goes with all keys so this is a set pattern. The best way to get the modes down is by playing them. Just think If your playing a solo in the key of G all you really have to play is the G major scale. Thats if your sticking to the (Diatonics) Why you say? Well, if the chords are changing while your soloing your playing the modes too.
Try recording a simple chord progression in the key of G. You could go with the 12 blues blues using major chords to keep it simple.
G | C | G | G | C | C | G | G | D7 | C | G | D7
Now play back the progression and solo using the G Major Scale. You will here the modes character as the chords change. Try to memorize the mode names like D7 your playing Mixolydian or C your playing Lydian etc. Now the skies the limit with your solos. See the attachment below for a list of the modes in Tab Form.
