How to write a MODAL chord PROGRESSION (that sounds modal)

In this video we’ll explore the ways to come up with real modal sounding chord progression. An explanation on what to take in account when dealing with modal scales and progressions, which chords work and more important: which don’t. Modal harmony is very different from the tonal harmony we’ll find with the major and minor keys. We call this kind of harmony: functional harmony. Modal harmony is something else. Other rules apply!

So let me take you along in this video to explore the possibilities and some things to consider when writing modal chord progressions that will actually sound modal.

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Copyright attribution:

All audio composed and recorded by me (Rob van Hal)

I use:
Castilla Classical Guitars
Rode Microphone

(c)2018 Rob van Hal, Netherlands

[PierFrancescoPiccolomini]

This is a little masterpiece. I've seen thousands of videos on modes, and this is in the top three. Very, very well done! Thanks!

[cesarperez-cardenas]

The whole "ditch[ing] functional harmony" was what I needed. I never understood which chords to play and always ended up sound Major or Minor. This was a perfect, little video. Thank you. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say how helpful this video was.

[top.secret]

This is literally everything I’ve ever wanted from a modal harmony tutorial. Thanks a million for this, this is the go-to lesson for learning to compose in modes.

[tobbebergman]

15:32

"The more ambiguous, the more expressive"
-Leonard Bernstein

[michaelsmusic]

Sir,
I have played music for 40+ years ( or made noise, depending )
You have by far THE BEST instructional videos that I've ever seen. I'm recommending you to everyone I know ...
Thank you so much for sharing all your hard work, your passion for music really shows !
Rock on Bro
~ Michael

[joskun]

One of the best videos on modes and my favorite one so far.
All the concepts, lead, harmony in 1 video.
Thank you so much!!!

[darleneofthetallpines]

This is an excellent video! I have watched several videos on modes from other producers, and I have learned quite a bit by watching them. Just wanted you to know that your video covers the issues with tritones better than any of the others I've seen. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge in such a clear way!

[rafa_guitar]

I revisited this video today, after watching so many videos about harmony, this is a real masterpiece, It is really worthy, invaluable. Thank you so much for your channel Rob and for sharing, for your time and effort and for teaching the way you do it, I really appreciate it.

[solo_international]

Amazing! This really ties everything ive learned in a lifetime of music together ---Very very well done!!! Will watch over and over!!!!

[afrohawk]

This is the best explanation of writing music with modes I've ever seen. Definitely will watch again and again. Fantastic!!!

[johnaeff]

I just found this channel yesterday and it pushed concentration, nearly blowed me away, super lessions ! Great !

[mrmohantyexperiments]

Best use of 18 mins ever. Phenomenal. Just phenomenal. I will be going back to this video and making notes. Splendid job man on bringing so much clarity on such a pivotal concept in music.

[timsmith]

I have seen and studied dozens of modal videos. This one is hands down the most comprehensive and useful one I've seen.

[gautamasakyamuni]

The best lesson about Modal harmony so far, great job! Clear concise and to the point.

[SBanas]

This video is what I needed to understand modal harmony. In 17 min you condensed all the information I was lacking for 15 years of my guitar playing!

[otv]

I've also been hunting for a good Modes video all over the Tubes, but this is THE best one by far. Many thanks...I get it now.

[sandermashi]

I cant' stop thanking you ! This lesson is supreme !!! Never understood this armony till now .Thanks a lot.

[sbennettyt]

Best explanation of modes I have seen. On a whole new level.

[musicmad]

Simply stunning - excellent guide in every way. Crystal clear, well-expressed and have no words to convey what a gem you have shared with the rest of us all. Thank you very much.

[ANON]

This is the best video on modal chords I have ever seen. Many thanks!