playing the modes – using the pitch axis theory

there are 5 essential major scale patterns that i recommend you learn. one caveat with that video is that his # names for the patterns are not the same as they teach at M.I.  (musician’s institute)

what he is calling a pattern 1 is what most people , myself included , call pattern 3

what he is calling a pattern 2 is what most people , myself included , call pattern 4

what he is calling a pattern 3 is what most people , myself included , call pattern 5

what he is calling a pattern 4 is what most people , myself included , call pattern 1

what he is calling a pattern 5 is what most people , myself included , call pattern 2

So….watch that video above….BUT write these scales out and Label them like i do and like M.I. does, otherwise this will get really confusing….

pitch axis theory on modes

try the pitch axis approach,

as explained in this video lesson, which assumes that you know how to play a major scale pattern 2 … (as i call pattern 2)

now, on with the exercise:

Play a E as a drone note

play E major scale pattern 2 — starting on 7th fret of A string.

that’s ionian mode

‘

now shift down 2 frets and play the D major scale pattern 2 —starts on 5th fret of A string,

that’s Dorian

now shift down 2 more frets and play the C major scale pattern 2–starts on the 3rd fret of the A string,

that’s Phrygian

now shift down 1 more fret and play the B major scale pattern 2—starts on the 2nd fret of the A string,

that’s Lydian

now shift down 2 more frets and you’re at open A, so instead,

just think of where Dorian was and go over 1 string to start your major scale, pattern 4 on the E string 5th fret.

that’s the Mixolydian mode

now shift down 2 more frets and play the G major scale pattern 4—starts on the 3rd fret of the E string,

that’s the Aeolian mode

now shift down 2 more fret and play the F major scale pattern 4—starts on the 1st fret of the E string,

that’s Locrian