So you want to learn guitar scales and modes, but don't know where to begin? Once you learn the pentatonic scales you can simply add two notes to create the seven modes of the major scale. Getting past the pentatonic scales is often the most challenging task for aspiring lead guitar players. But by knowing how to use the modes your solos will sound diverse and impressive.
When you begin to learn guitar scales, you should learn the various modes. Each key that you can play in actually has seven different modes. Seven keys times seven modes equals 49 different guitar scales for you to play with! Guitar scale modes are created by differing where you begin and where you end playing the scale. This may sound simplistic, but this makes a significant difference to the sound and feel of the scale and, therefore, your lead playing.
Ionian Mode. This is the "straight" mode or standard mode. When you first learn guitar scales, you will first learn the Ionian Mode (or the Aeolian Mode, but we'll talk about that later). The Ionian mode simply means beginning and ending the playing of the scale on the root tone. The formula is : Root Tone -T-T-ST-T-T-T-ST, where T means a full tone or 2 frets and ST means a semi tone or 1 fret. If you play a C scale in Ionian Mode, the first note you hit is C and the last note you hit is C.
Dorian Mode- In the key of C, we simply start and end on the D note. This mode is similar to the natural minor scale, but with a major 6th. The flat 7 also gives a bluesy sound, which means this scale can be used in blues and rock.
Phrygian Mode- Those who want to learn guitar with a little "Egyptian" or Middle Eastern feel should check out the phrygian mode. Here you will start and end with the major scale's third tone. So in the key of C, the Phrygian mode would begin with E, and end with E as well.
Lydian Mode. This is great for giving a "neo-Classical" or even Renaissance feel to a guitar solo (or if you're doing a jazzy solo it works wonders for that, too). To play a guitar scale in Lydian mode, you begin and end the lead break or solo on the scale's fourth tone. So, in C, you will begin and end a solo on the F note.
Mixolydian Mode. This is widely used for rock and jazz guitar solos and can be easily played over power chords. To play a guitar scale in Mixolydian, begin and end on the major scale's fifth tone. So, in C, you'll begin and end your solo with a G note.
Aeolian Mode- also known as the natural minor scale. This scale will create a sad feel to a song or solo. It is used in many different styles of music, from ballads to metal. Here you will start and finish with the A note of the C major scale.
Locrian Mode- Creating a high level of tension in a solo can be accomplished using this mode. This occurs because the leading tone is what suggests the root note is coming. In this mode the solos will start and finish with B, which sits just one semitone from the C note.
Hopefully this has given you plenty of insight into the different sounds available when soloing on the guitar. If you want to learn guitar scales you should always make sure you learn the modes.
When you begin to learn guitar scales, you should learn the various modes. Each key that you can play in actually has seven different modes. Seven keys times seven modes equals 49 different guitar scales for you to play with! Guitar scale modes are created by differing where you begin and where you end playing the scale. This may sound simplistic, but this makes a significant difference to the sound and feel of the scale and, therefore, your lead playing.
Ionian Mode. This is the "straight" mode or standard mode. When you first learn guitar scales, you will first learn the Ionian Mode (or the Aeolian Mode, but we'll talk about that later). The Ionian mode simply means beginning and ending the playing of the scale on the root tone. The formula is : Root Tone -T-T-ST-T-T-T-ST, where T means a full tone or 2 frets and ST means a semi tone or 1 fret. If you play a C scale in Ionian Mode, the first note you hit is C and the last note you hit is C.
Dorian Mode- In the key of C, we simply start and end on the D note. This mode is similar to the natural minor scale, but with a major 6th. The flat 7 also gives a bluesy sound, which means this scale can be used in blues and rock.
Phrygian Mode- Those who want to learn guitar with a little "Egyptian" or Middle Eastern feel should check out the phrygian mode. Here you will start and end with the major scale's third tone. So in the key of C, the Phrygian mode would begin with E, and end with E as well.
Lydian Mode. This is great for giving a "neo-Classical" or even Renaissance feel to a guitar solo (or if you're doing a jazzy solo it works wonders for that, too). To play a guitar scale in Lydian mode, you begin and end the lead break or solo on the scale's fourth tone. So, in C, you will begin and end a solo on the F note.
Mixolydian Mode. This is widely used for rock and jazz guitar solos and can be easily played over power chords. To play a guitar scale in Mixolydian, begin and end on the major scale's fifth tone. So, in C, you'll begin and end your solo with a G note.
Aeolian Mode- also known as the natural minor scale. This scale will create a sad feel to a song or solo. It is used in many different styles of music, from ballads to metal. Here you will start and finish with the A note of the C major scale.
Locrian Mode- Creating a high level of tension in a solo can be accomplished using this mode. This occurs because the leading tone is what suggests the root note is coming. In this mode the solos will start and finish with B, which sits just one semitone from the C note.
Hopefully this has given you plenty of insight into the different sounds available when soloing on the guitar. If you want to learn guitar scales you should always make sure you learn the modes.
About the Author:
Learn to play your very own great sounding guitar solos over the next 7 days and truly amaze your family and friends! (Even if you are new to lead guitar) Click here - Learn Guitar Scales to receive your FREE soloing guide not available anywhere else. This guide will help you master Pentatonic Guitar Scales in no time at all, utilising the same techniques as professional guitar players use.
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