Learning the Intervals In The Modes- Using One Finger to Play the Guitar

The modes originate from Ancient Greek musical scales

The semi tones are extremely important when it comes to remembering the modes. It is these that define its mood or sound. In the key of C major the semi tones are always in the same place, between the 3^rd and 4^th (E and F) and the 7^th and 8^th notes (B and C). It follows then that throughout all of the modes in the key of C the semi tones will always be between E and F, and B and C.

                     E-F          B-C

Ionian:          3-4           7-8              (Major Scale)

Dorian:         2-b3         6-b7

Phrygian:     1-2            5-6

Lydian:         7-8         #4-5

Mixolydian: 6-b7         3-4

Aeolian:        5-6          2-b3             (Natural Minor Scale)

Locrian:        4-5          1-b2

Understanding how these half steps work is essential if you are to truly understand how the modes. Try playing these with one finger up one string all in the key of C so that you can really visualize how the intervals contribute to the overall sound of each mode.

by Simon James, Guitar4Free.com