Why modes?

[12thfret]

Hi all,

I didn't pay much attention on modes until I read this forum. Why modes are important? and what are the benefits of mastering modes.

Would you please explain, Stone. Or anybody.

Thanks.

[drumstix128@aol.com]

Im guessing you havent started improv. soloing yet. When you do and you've complete exauhsted the minor pent. then other scales are gonna start sounding pretty good.

[12thfret]

Hi Drumstix,

Tell me more. You are right. I did get exhausted the minor pent. and don't know what to do next to make my guitar sound better.

What next scale do you suggest. Thanks

[StoneDragon]

Why are modes important?

Because they are used everywhere. Even by people who don't know what modes are. The sounds of several of the modes are used so often that even people who pride themselves on nor knowing any theory will subconsciously gravitate to those notes when they play.

What are the benefits of learning modes?

The biggest benefit is as drumstix mentioned is having a wider variety of sounds to draw from.

This isn't limited to lead playing though. a thorough understanding of modes will enrich your harmonic vocabulary as much as will give you some fancy licks to throw into your solos.

Another important benefit is having a command of your entire fingerboard and the ability to "break out" of the pentatonic "box" patterns.

Before you'll have too much luck with modes though, you'll need to get your major scale down. The modes are derived from the major scale patterns. Once you understand that concept, you can apply it to "other" scales as well.