Clarifying the Modes

[Roobs]

I know this has probably been done a million times before, but it is racking my brain and I could not find the exact answer for what I'm looking for. I've just recently begun studying Jazz guitar, and it is already doing wonders on my chord and scale knowledge. I've also memorized the 7 modes, and how they all relate to the original root (of the Ionian). My problem is that I have absolutely no idea when to implement such modes, and my stubborn teacher is not much of a help. When going through a jazz tune, I can now pick out the ii-V-I progressions, and that's when I'll know to play the plain old major scale that correlates to the I chord. But, when do you know to switch it up with alternate modes? Do you have to be aware of all of the chords in the progression, and choose a scale based on the notes in those chords? That seems tough as hell!

Also, say you're playing the C Major scale (Ionian), and then you begin playing off of the 4th (F) as your root, making it a Lydian scale. Is this scale considered F Lydian, since the F is now your root, or is it considered C Lydian, in relation to the C as the root of the original major scale? I am just having a horribly difficult time with this, and like I said, my teacher has very little patience and so it is hard for me to go through things like this with him. ANy help is greatly appreciated!

[EspBoobiesYeah]

Over the ii V I progression you'd use the corresponding scale for the chord being played.

ii = Dorian

V = Mixolydian

I = Major

You're going to want to place emphasis on the notes that give each mode its sound. Or you can pick a scale that fits and just jam on that. Its more tech to choose modes/specific notes though instead of floating over the changes with one scale pattern.

I have a question for anybody reading this:


Could you substitute Lydian for Ionian over the I chord?

[joeyd929]

I know this has probably been done a million times before, but it is racking my brain and I could not find the exact answer for what I'm looking for. I've just recently begun studying Jazz guitar, and it is already doing wonders on my chord and scale knowledge. I've also memorized the 7 modes, and how they all relate to the original root (of the Ionian). My problem is that I have absolutely no idea when to implement such modes, and my stubborn teacher is not much of a help. When going through a jazz tune, I can now pick out the ii-V-I progressions, and that's when I'll know to play the plain old major scale that correlates to the I chord. But, when do you know to switch it up with alternate modes? Do you have to be aware of all of the chords in the progression, and choose a scale based on the notes in those chords? That seems tough as hell!

Also, say you're playing the C Major scale (Ionian), and then you begin playing off of the 4th (F) as your root, making it a Lydian scale. Is this scale considered F Lydian, since the F is now your root, or is it considered C Lydian, in relation to the C as the root of the original major scale? I am just having a horribly difficult time with this, and like I said, my teacher has very little patience and so it is hard for me to go through things like this with him. ANy help is greatly appreciated!

For me, when I play around in ANY of the chords in a particular scale, I just think of tha one key signature. So if I am playing chords like Dminor 7 to G 7 to CMaj 7, or Even if it jumps to Aminor or B dim 7, It is technically still in the key of C major.

I just do this to avoid confusion.

[Poparad]

Also, say you're playing the C Major scale (Ionian), and then you begin playing off of the 4th (F) as your root, making it a Lydian scale. Is this scale considered F Lydian, since the F is now your root, or is it considered C Lydian, in relation to the C as the root of the original major scale?


The mode will be dictated by the harmony. If you're playing the C major scale over a C major chord, it will always be C Ionian, no matter which note you start or end on. If you're playing the same C major scale over an F major chord, it will always be F lydian no matter what note you start or end on.

When playing without a chord underneath (i.e., completely solo and only playing single notes), then you have to make the distinction by shaping your melodic lines so they emphasize the specific notes of the chord. For example, for F lydian, you have to play the line so that you use the notes of F major (F, A, and C) as the points of resolution.

Modes are completely tied to the harmony, so look to the harmony first, and to the notes of the scale second.

[scruffles]

If you were to play F Ionian over a progression in C Ionian, you'd be playing C Mixolydian--

F Ionian: F G A Bb C D E F
C Mixolydian: C D E F G A Bb C