There are 7 modes. Each one assumes a particular colour or feeling when played. But knowing how to use them is a bit of a black art. I hope to simplify this for you.
First of all, make sure you have easy access to the interactive circle of fifths while you read this article.
You will see the names of the modes along the left hand side of the circle, going from 7 ‘o’ clock to 1 ‘o’ clock. The first step is to choose the name of the mode you would like to create. Lets say we would like to jam along in E Myxolydian mode. Start by clicking on the “E” and watch patiently as it cycles round to the top of the circle. Now you can see that in order to achieve E Myxolydian mode, we are interested in the A major scale.
The next step is to click on A, and wait until it is at the top of the circle. We must remember that it is E Myxolydian that we are hoping to achieve. Around the right side of the circle are the names of chords in the key of A major, from D major at 11 ‘o’ clock, through to G# Diminished at 5 ‘o’ clock.
Here’s the golden nugget of information: These are also chords in the key of E Myxolydian!
The trick here is to try and use the chords from A major (which include E), but instead of having A as the root note or chord of the song, use E. A simple chord progression to achieve this could perhaps be: “E, D, A, E”, if you wish to keep it nice and happy.
The next thing is to think about the melodies you want to use. Again, if you play notes around the A major scale on top of a chord progression like this, you will find yourself pretty much in E Myxolydian mode. For a nice example of this, listen to “Sweet Child of Mine” by Guns and Roses.
And that really is about all there is to it. (I wish!!!)
Try and do the same for other modes. You’ll be amazed at how easy it can be to achieve different sounds, using chords from a particular key. Another example might be E phrygian mode, which requires the C major scale, and chords from the key of C major, but concentrating on the E minor.
Good luck. Ask your questions or post your comments below!
Tags: circle of fifths, guns and roses, modes, scale, theory
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