Playing the Modes in Different Keys
By now, you should be able to play the seven modes in the key of C. But how about playing the modes in other keys?
The first thing you need to do is figure out what is the key of the tune. The number of sharps or flats determines this, and the Circle of Fifths (the image below) tells you the key. For example, if you see one sharp, you are in the key of G. Four sharps puts you in the key of E. One flat puts you in the key of F.
Circle of Fifths
Once you know the key, you can then find out the notes in the mode by using the modes chart below.
Let’s say you want to play E Dorian over a typical funk/blues jam. The key of E has four sharps (C♯, D♯, F♯, and G♯). To play an E Dorian, all you have to do is flat the third (G♯) and the seventh (D♯). So an E Dorian would have these notes: E, F♯, G,A, B, C♯, D.
Let’s say you want to play a G Aeolian heavy metal riff. The key of G has one sharp (F♯). To play a G Aeolian, you flat the third (the B becomes a ♭), flat the sixth (the E becomes an E♭), and flat the seventh (the F♯ becomes an F).
Modes Overview
♭=flatted, ♯=sharp
