A Simple Guide to Modes - Music Theory

A simple guide to musical modes. Most musicians know about major and minor scales and keys. One thing that Jazz musicians and those interested in music from pre-1600 have in common is that they both know about modes. Modes existed before major and minor scales and during the late 1500’s, composers started to alter notes within a given mode by using accidentals known as musica ficta. The musica ficta then developed into major and minor scales around 1600. But what are these modes? How do they work and what are they called? If you want to know about modes and to be sure you know your Dorian from your Phrygian, then this music theory lesson is for you.

🕘 Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction to modes
1:11 - How all seven modes work
6:47 - The history of modes

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[CarlosLopez-kqgp]

Finally someone that can explain this simply and clearly. Thank you.

[fraserwing]

I'd wager this is why so many people are confused with modes, because next to no-one provides the essential CONTEXT: History; particularly the layout of the keys pre a chromatic format.

Excellent lesson.

[jomo]

I can't stress just how much this cleared up questions I had surrounding modes without overloading me with information. Having the piano and treble clef there really helped as well, thanks!

[jumbobillion]

Blimey, turns out that it makes sense when you have a good teacher. All those wasted years😭 but now I get it. Many thanks, you've clicked a thousand things into place

[edit]

God bless your soul kind sir, no one has ever gone about making what seems to be such a complicated concept easy for us casuals. Thanks a million!

[Learntheharmonica]

Really nicely explained, great to get the historical context in there too :)

[nrggvrn]

It's explained really well. The captions are greatly appreciated too

[clavedesoldesol]

Goodness! Only someone who masters a subject can explain it in a historical perspective and in a clear, concise and precise manner. Thank you!!!! Very happy to find your videos! This is good teaching!

[armandohuereca]

Beautiful teaching in a clear manner without all the superfluous nonsense you’d find from most others. Thank you!

[manuemusica]

It amazes me how you just simplified one concept that everyone that makes videos about it on YT complicates it so much. Thank you!

[BIGDOlNK]

Thats a million for clearing this up for me. A very simple concept if explained right, surely.

[lawrencetaylor]

It's so nice to hear a Jazzers concept from Gareth. And it all comes down to knowing your scales.

[dlou]

This is really a wonderful lesson. Loved it!

[yiming]

Finally, I understand this mode thing. Thank you very much. I am happy that I don't need to learn it. This is what I understand from watching this video. It is just people were trying to come up with different scales, because a new scale can open up a new landscape. Looks like eventually people settled on the major and minor keys. Music evolved from modes to modern day major and minor scales. Good. It is a thing of the past.

[arielibanez]

Wow! You hit the spot! Been searching the Net for answers about modes. Thank you for enlightening me. 👍

[missjoblue]

It makes so much sense now, thank you!

[theheavenlysignature]

As I watched this, I realized that the melody for the hymn, “What Wondrous Love Is This?” is written in mixolydian mode! It all makes sense now. Greatly appreciate this.

[shaunmaq]

Thank You Sir for simplifyning this for me ...iv been following modes and circle of four/fifth for a while now ...iv just understood circles monday now today friday i understand modes ...what really helped is the history iv never thought that will be my breakthrough ...😂 im greatful...again thank Sir...

[amirojaghi]

Please learn us that rules we can use for going from one function to another function . and how to accompaniment with a singer with variation and use different rhythms🙌