Composing with Modes 🎵

Another instalment from me on Modes! This is a deeper dive on some approaches to composing or writing songs within a specific mode.
I hope you find it useful.

I'd like to say a big thank you to my Patreon members Peter Trickett, Ryan Harris, Tommy, Chris Davis and Svilen Stoilov for their support. 🙏

My Equipment:

Video Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:12 Writing in a Major key
02:03 Same technique, different scale
05:30 Points to be mindful of
07:38 Character tones
10:00 Find the semitones
12:50 Dorian
13:25 Aeolian
14:04 Mixolydian
14:51 Lydian
18:17 Locrian

[dystopialite]

You’re playing a dangerous game here, Michael. I’ve watched literal dozens of videos about modes on Youtube over the last decade and you just gave away information about modes that has been jealously guarded. Keep it up and people might actually learn something.

[jaymzmusic_]

That locrian piece was absolutely beautiful despite revolving around a diminished tonic. I brushed it off as an experimental “useless” mode but I seem to have completely underestimated it. Thanks for the inspiration!!

[StacheBigote]

Clear and concise without a whiff of self indulgence? A relaxing lesson with a bit of humor sprinkled on top? Just what I’ve come to expect from this channel.

[carbonmonoxide]

One trick to make Locrian sound good is to not use full chords. You can omit the 5 from the i chord and it will still sound like Locrian but won’t have the same dissonance.

Another trick with modes is that you can borrow chords/briefly modulate to other modes. In Phrygian, the b5 can be quite nice to “modulate” to Phrygian on the iv instead of the i (like adding a bit of D Phrygian to A Phrygian). Brief modulations can also help stabilize Lydian more, particularly to vi. E7 -> Am can help a lot in C Lydian to strengthen the sound of C. Borrowing other notes (like bb7 or b4) can also help destabilize Locrian enough to make the tonic sound like a reprieve and be more resolved.

Modal music does not have to box itself into 7 notes—major and minor certainly don’t!

[kc-mqcx]

the on-screen graphics are really helpful. i'd have a lot of trouble following along if it weren't for them. thank you

[elisacordeiro]

Oh boy... I love this channel

Michael.. your content and the way you present it are truly unmatched

[billhasty]

It truly is criminal that all teachers are not at your level. I always go away with a new found knowledge on everything that you teach. Thank you so much for this mode lesson. Great Job Michael.

[ArmyGideonTV]

this is the most straight forward, completely understandable, well articulated video I've ever seen explaining modes and how to use them.

[brucesstreet]

Best modes video ever - it's the modal harmonies, vamps & cadences. Must be a million Dorian vamp tunes.

[CoryKent]

This teaching connected SO MANY DOTS for me. Thanks for sharing this with so much clarity.

[izakbou]

I admit that I thought I had mastered Modes for years, but your course left me perplexed. Well done Michael. 🙏

[johngration]

Another great video Michael! Language teacher Luca Lampariello (speaks 14 languages) says “Find a guide, not an instructor.” Well you’re definitely a guide Michael, showing the path through the music jungle while pointing out beautiful views along the way. Thanks again.

[rebanelson]

Wow! I've been trying to understand modes for some time. Honestly, this is the best lesson on the subject that I've ever seen. Thank you!

[treborhuang]

Another trick for Locrian is to use quartal chords instead, which mixes in this additional "quartal" flavor but still feels very Locrian.

[thepanicroommastering]

The Screen Graphics/Animations are amazing! So helpful. Thank you ✨

[samanthabramley]

Best video on practical use of modes I have ever watched. The phyrigian one was beautiful. Thank you.

[dsale]

You’ve got a real gift for teaching. I was just recently lamenting that I know what modes are, but don’t know how to make a particular mode feel like home base. Seems pretty obvious now that you explain it. Great explanation, especially for people who play alone

[krutochuvak]

You’re doing everything right! Thank you for this

[Sparksnorthern]

Top notch discussion and ability to articulate the areas of importance.

[corentinmusique]

What a chance to preview this video. You've always got a flair for teaching. Every time, I say to myself: but of course, it's obvious! Your approach to modes using semitones is just incredible. I'm going to give it a try!