Free Guitar Lesson - More About Scales
Now we move on to the next scale or mode. This one is in “E” the third note of the C major scale. It is formed by using the C scale like the Dorian mode only we are in “E” this time.
E F G A B C D E 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 8
This is called the Phrygian mode. Like the Dorian, the note intervals are fixed. Only the root note changes, which gives us a different scale. Here is an example to make sure you understand.
'A' major scale A B C# D E F# G# A
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
'A' Phrygian mode A Bb C D E F G A
1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 8
The rest of the modes are formed the same way each starting on a different note in the C scale.
I will list them here together.
Lydian mode F G A B C D E F 1 2 3 #4 5 6 7 8
Mixolydian mode G A B C D E F G 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7 8
Aeolian mode A B C D E F G A 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 8
Locrian mode B C D E F G A B 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7 8
Practice all of these modes over the root notes and compare them with you ears to the majors in the same key. Switch back and forth to get an idea of how these modes sound. If you truly want to learn to play guitar like the best players, you must become comfortable with all of these scales.
