Guitar Modes
Modes are simply different ways of playing a major scale. By starting a major scale from a note other than the root, you create an entirely new set of intervals and a unique emotional character.
Why Should You Care?
- Unlock the Neck: Understanding modes helps you see the fretboard as one big, interconnected map.
- Add Flavor: Use Dorian for a jazzy feel, or Mixolydian to spice up your blues solos.
- Write Unique Songs: Moving beyond just "major" and "minor" gives you access to a massive palette of sounds.
The 7 Modes
Ionian
The standard Major scale. Bright, happy, and foundational.
Dorian
The sound of jazz, funk, and Carlos Santana. Minor with a brighter edge.
Phrygian
Dark and exotic. The hallmark of heavy metal and flamenco.
Lydian
Dreamy, airy, and filmic. Used by Steve Vai and Joe Satriani.
Mixolydian
The blues and rock sound. Think 'Sweet Home Alabama' and the Allman Brothers.
Aeolian
The Natural Minor scale. Sad, emotive, and moody.
Locrian
Extremely tense and unstable. Rarely used but great for jazz and dissonant rock.
Guitar Pro Tip
The easiest way to start with modes is to play the C Major scale (all the natural notes) but start and end on a different note. Start on D for Dorian, E for Phrygian, F for Lydian, and so on.
Master the Modes
Explore every mode in every key across the entire neck with our Scale Explorer.
Open Scale Explorer