Modes Overview
By using our approach to the modes, you’ll also be able to speak the same language of more accomplished musicians. On a jazz gig, for exam-ple, a bandleader will often say,”This tune has a Mixolydian, bluesy kind of vibe,” and you’ll instantly understand. It’s also commonplace to hear the musicians tossing Ionian, Dorian and Lydian around at recording sessions and gigs. This is another reason why it’s important to memorize the traditional Greek names of the modes.
The chart below shows you the intervals for each mode. Please refer again and again to this chart: it is your map to success with the modes!
Overview of Modes
| Ionian | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Dorian | 1 | 2 | ♭ 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | ♭ 7 |
| Phrygian | 1 | ♭ 2 | ♭ 3 | 4 | 5 | ♭ 6 | ♭ 7 |
| Lydian | 1 | 2 | 3 | ♯ 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Mixolydian | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | ♭ 7 |
| Aeolian | 1 | 2 | ♭ 3 | 4 | 5 | ♭ 6 | ♭ 7 |
| Locrian | 1 | ♭ 2 | ♭ 3 | 4 | ♭ 5 | ♭ 6 | ♭ 7 |
♭=flatted, ♯=sharp
Great Guitar Solos Using the Aeolian Mode
Remember these three keys:
Listen to what you play, be musical, and have fun!
