The 7 Modes Explained

Modes are awesome! And they can take your music to the next level. But with names like "Phrygian," Mixolydian," and "Locrian," they can seem more mysterious than they really are.

In this video, I explain how to play them, where they got their names, and -- most importantly -- how you can use them to expand your songwriting palette. If you've ever been confused by modes, this video will clarify all the essentials so you really understand them. Check it out!

If you'd like to see more videos like this, please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE. And if you know someone who needs to see this, be sure to SHARE it with them. I want to know what you think, so please COMMENT.

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Songwriting is fun when you can actually see what you're doing. I use the familiar patterns of color to explain music theory so you can write songs.

[dburton]

Modes….. Not the easiest concept to grasp, you however have succeeded in laying it all out, precisely. Thank you!

[lawrencetaylor]

As a colour blind individual, I endorse this channel. I take your word for the colours used, I listen to the theory since it so well presented.

[kfiralfiavideo]

Great video Mike. Modes can be tricky, but this makes it very crystal clear.

[davidreally]

THANK YOU :) ! I took notes and even pictures. I've been debating this ''mode'' topic for a while and you've made it very understandable.

[toddberchen]

I just found you... and your info. Excellent and thanks. I have subscribed, liked, and will be looking for other vids & materials from you. Thanks again.

[x]

You should compare each modes by both start from note C(like Eb major aeolian mode, Bb major Dorian mode etc..), that we will hear the difference more clearly from C Major. Any way, very good job. I really like your content. ❤

[dyerk]

Awesome work. Going to watch all your videos. Do you have any instructionals on memorizing major and minor scales on guitar?

[parzival]

aeolian mode being the minor scale is the plot twist of the century.

[John]

Hello Mike, I am not able to join your clases as I am in a time zone, but I am watching your recordings and I am enjoying them. Is it possible for me to have the written material of your course?

[law_wren]

@MikeGeorge360 I've seen the color circle of fifths wheel with A in red and following from there. Is there a rationale for your starting with C or not using the same colors as other wheels?

[robnic]

Brilliant graphics, what software are you using for these diagrams and animations please?

[hampusingvarsson]

Hi! This might be a stupid question (new to music theory) but when changing mode from let say C ionian to F lydian does F become the new tonic?

[danielleanderson]

Is it a coincidence that the "vibes" of each mode roughly correspond to how the associated tonic chord sounds? Ionian, Lydian, and Mixolydian all have a major chord for the tonic and are all the "brighter" sounding modes. Dorian, Phrygian, and Aeolian all have a minor chord for the tonic and are the more "mysterious" modes. And then of course Locrian has a diminished chord for the tonic and sounds weird and uncomfortable. Is that anything, or am I totally off base?

[colinliaubass]

I like to refer to Ionian as king and Aeolian as queen.

[MaxwellMhaka]

In layman's terms Modes are all about starting on a different Note on the Major scale.
Am I right?

[ImHewg]

How do I tell the difference between Natural, Melodic and Harmonic scales? I bought the stickers and I can see how with a normal scale, the colors run across half the spectrum, so it's easy to tell the differece. But I am a bit confused with the different scale types!