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The Major Scale Modes for Guitar (Part 2): Lydian, Mixolydian, and Phrygian Modes
This section will assume that you understand the major scale patterns discussed previously. If not, you will need to return to the major scale pattern lesson and master that material before proceeding.
The modes of the major scale are variations on the scale that result in different overall tones. If you have spent some time mastering the major scale patterns we looked at earlier in the course, you are about to be pleasantly surprised to find that you actually mastered several dozen lead sounds by mastering just five fingering patterns. The modes consist of individual notes played in succession, just like the original patterns. However by altering our starting point we can play the same patterns but yield a very different overall tone, such as minor or dominant. There are two approaches to understanding modes. One method is to consider the modes from the perspective of keyed scales as a starting point, with the modes derived by varying individual notes within the keyed scale. This is a very complicated approach for a beginner, especially one with no background in musical theory. We will therefore forego this method and use one that that is consistent with our course, i.e. an easy shortcut.
The Lydian Mode
Now let's go on to look at the Lydian Mode. Lydian has a major sound but also has a unique sonic character due to a sharp fourth interval. To get the Lydian sound, using our existing patterns, we want to start from the Phrygian mode pattern, and flat every note by one half step. So in other words, start with the second note of Phrygian Mode Pattern 1, then play through the scale. This will yield the Lydian Mode sound.
The Mixolydian Mode
OK, now let's take a look at the Mixolydian Mode. This mode is similar to the major scale, but contains a flatted seventh interval. It works well over Dominant Seventh chords (we will look at these chords later).
The Aeolian Mode
The Aeolian mode is also the same scale pattern that we refer to as the Natural Minor Scale or just Minor Scale. In reference to the Major or Ionian scale, Aeolian has a flat third interval, which is very important in bringing out the minor sound, and also flat sixth and seventh intervals. It has a feel that is more melancholy. This mode works well over minor sounding chords.
Locrian is the last of the Major Scale modes. We are going to skip this mode, since it is not a very useful one. It contains a lot of altered pitches and just does not play well over any kind of popular music, which is the focus of our course. Just be aware of it for now, and if you feel like you really need it, just play the major scale with every note sharp by one half step.
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