Major Scale Modes: Lesson 18

Description

This time we are going to play each mode starting on the same note (in this case A) and compare and contrast each mode that has a minor third. We are going to switch between the minor modes of Dorian, Phrygian, Aeolian and Locrian at will to hear how they sound against each other. Again we can directly hear the unique, characteristic sound of each one as we change from one major mode to the next.

Aeolian is the minor scale. Therefore it has the intervals of the minor scale. Dorian is essentially the minor scale, except with a major 6th degree. Phrygian is essentially the minor scale, except with a flat 2nd degree. Locrian is essentially a minor scale, except with a flat 2nd and flat 5th degrees.

A common lead playing technique in many genres of music (rock, blues, jazz, country, pop, etc.) is to use notes from any and all minor modes over a relatively static minor groove or simple pattern of bass notes that imply a minor tonality.