Introduction to Modes
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- čas přidán 18. 06. 2015
- Modes are one of the coolest musical concepts to learn. Once you have a grasp on modes you can start expanding your music and go well beyond the usual major and minor scales.
UPDATE: Quite a few people have pointed out that the Phrygian mode isn't all that uncommon in certain styles of music, and I was pretty dismissive of both the Phrygian and the Locrian modes in this video. I think I let my own musical biases show through more than they should have, and I'll try to be more careful about that in the future. So... yeah. Sorry.
I learned an important lesson though: If you want people to comment on your video, just say something they don't like :)
For anyone curious, they're named after regions in Ancient Greece, where the idea of modes in Western music comes from.
Some regions like Lydia and Phrygia were outside of ancient Greece. (Asia minor, neighbouring ancient Greece)
major=ionian
lydian: major with raised 4th
mixolydian: major with lowered 7th
minor=aeolian
phyrigian: minor with lowered 2nd
dorian: minor with raised 6th
Thanks for the summary
@@vlc-cosplayer Nah, just a Major scale with a raised tonic and subdominant! ;)
locrian: *error* *forbidden mode*
you forgot
locrian: stupid from most angles
@@majorlycunningham5439 Pretty amazing how flattening the tonic will give us the benign Lydian
This is without a doubt the best explanation of the modes I have ever seen. Thank you !
Michael really does a great job. I've really been enjoying his music theory videos.
Jesse Atwood i ate a lot watching i need to loo
besides him being wrong. the F# is in AMajb7. and in DMaj which is the 1st degree of this scale.
This has been the ONLY explanation of modes I've ever seen that makes the slightest bit of sense. All others that I've seen have never explained the relationship between the modes without causing more confusion. Michaels demonstration here shows how it all links together in a very simple way.
I've watched several lessons on modes. Lessons taught by westerners. And when it comes to the phrygian, most tend to dismiss it as weird, a bit queer, etc. I'm from Turkey, and the funny thing is, when I hear phrygian my eastern ears say " oh yeah, that's what I call music" :)
+rüştü cüneyt güren
For me, this only reinforces how much of our musical aesthetic is determined by culture, and not by any mathematical propriety of the intervals. I particularly love the sound of the diminished second, and think you can do lots of great things with it, but we insist in pigeonholing certain sounds as "weird" because they're not used often, or because they're traditionally associated with some mood. This also applies to the "major keys are happy and minor keys are sad" nonsense. How can you explain that so many "happy" songs are in minor keys (Get Lucky by Daft Punk, Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gees), and so many "sad" songs are in major keys (second movement of Beethoven's Pathétique sonata, Pictures of You by The Cure, Five Years by David Bowie). And I'll never understand why people think atonal music sounds ugly and/or scary, and yet find birdsong so beautiful and relaxing.
I was thinking the same thing. I'm from India. The Phrygian is the same as Raga Bhairavi for us and some of the most beautiful music I've heard has been in this "mode".
I'm American and It's always been my favorite mode I hadn't heard much like it until I learned it
Hahaha I feel you! from Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
Yep, it's called the Bhairavi in Indian music, one of the most mellifluous modes IMHO, and I suppose one CZcams search on "Bhairavi Indian Music" would convince anyone to start using that mode!
If you'll play only white keys on a piano the modes will appears in this sequence:
I Ionian 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 C D E F G A B
II Dorian 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7 D E F G A B C
III Phrygian 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 E F G A B C D
IV Lydian 1 2 3 #4 5 6 7 F G A B C D E
V Myxolydian 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7 G A B C D E F
VI Aeolian 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 A B C D E F G
VII Locrian 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7 B C D E F G A
Thank You for doing this videos Michael!
This confuses me. I play guitar and want to know the chord qualities for the modes. Why isn't C the 1 chord for each mode that you have listed?And where are the sharps and flats? In the Locrian mode how do you flatten a C?
what he meant is, that D dorian or G Mixolydian contain the same notes as C Major (Ionian)
so you dont have any sharps or flats in the notes he listed, but in terms of thinking within the major scale he listed the flats and sharps in the number of the note
and you flatten a C by playing a B, but technically it is not a B, but a Cb (I think if you got a perfekt intonated instrument, not like a piano, where every half step is not sqrt(12) of an octave it is a different note, not too sure about that)
Moving modes to guitar is pretty easy, if you think of it in terms of "boxes". For example, I bet you're used to playing a C major scale using only frets 7 to 10. In that box, starting on the 7th fret on your low E string would give you a locrian scale starting with B. If you want another starting note, you just move the box. If you try starting at different points using a scale you're familiar with, you should find it's not that tricky.
As chords qualities go, you'll mostly have to test it out, once you've figured out which notes you have in each mode, and think of it in terms of shifting along the major/minor scale containing the same notes as your mode. But if you want a raw theory list, I guess you could have it.
Chords in order I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, followed by explaining characteristics (m = minor, 7 = major chord with low 7th, dim = diminished).
Ionian: I, II m, III m, IV, V 7, VI m, VII dim.
Just like you're used to with a major scale.
Dorian: I m, II m, III m, IV 7, V m, VI dim, VII
What you get if you use a minor key and set the IV as your new starting point. The major IV has a lot of neat applications.
Phrygian: I m, II, III 7, IV m, V dim, VI, VII m.
Frequently explained as "A minor starting with E".
Lydian: I, II 7, III m, IV dim, V, VI m, VII m.
Mixolydian: I 7, II m, III dim, IV, V m , VI m, VII.
Aeolian: I m, II dim, III, IV m, V m, VI, VII 7.
Locrian: I dim, II, III m, IV m, V, VI 7, VII m.
In each next step, the first chord in the previous mode becomes the last chord in your new mode.
You know what is interesting? That sharp right in the middle. The thing is, if you construct this based on the Lydian mode 2-2-2-1-2-2-1, the sharp will go away. If I'm not mistaken, Lydian mode is the only one without any sharps. Furthermore, the progression of tones on the circle of fifths somehow magically completes one turn after arriving at F or B. This makes me think that perhaps the Lydian mode should be the main mode for constructing music, because then these anomalies go away.
+RonPaul Revered It looks like there are no flats... look at Dorian starting on D, for example. The 3rd and the 7th should be flatted, right? Well, not here. Compare the Dorian mode starting on D to a D major scale. In a D major scale, you have: D E F# G A B C#. Now compare that to the Dorian mode...
D E F# G A B C# (D major)
D E F G A B C (D Dorian)
Now, you can see that, compared to the major scale, the F and the C are lowered by one half step (instead of being sharped, they are natural) essentially, they are flatted. This holds true for each of the examples in the original comment above. Thus, to play these modes, you can just start on the corresponding letter and go up the alphabet and get an accurate modal scale. This is just a shift in perspective. To some, it might be helpful, others may prefer to think of it in the way presented in the video.
Examples:
Bryan Adams - Run to you - Dorian mode
Lorde - Royals - Mixolydian mode
.
These are the two most common modes in pop music generally, except for the normal major/minor scales. Concerning creating different vibes in songs one can, a bit simplified, think about it like this:
.
- Pure minor key, normal mode/scale. Sad vibe.
- Dorian mode, major key. Fairly sad vibe.
- Mixolydian mode, major key. Fairly happy vibe.
- Pure major key, normal mode/scale. Happy vibe.
.
A certain lyric often fits best with one of these vibes.
You are the man.
The savior of musicians who can't afford a musical education.
Thank you.
I am so thrilled. After decades of winging it, Michael, you taught me how chords work, circle of fifths, and modes. Honestly, this is huge for me. I never figured I could fit these ideas in my brain. THANK YOU!
Hi Thomas, I do not undetstand. One piano video teaches Dorian starting on D and another video teaches Dorian starting on G. Which is right, and what is the Definition of Dorian anyway?
@@TheSunshinedreamer1 Dorian can start on any notes, the concept of modes and scales are that they are interval patterns, they are not a fixed notes combination, as long as your notes fit that pattern, it is the mode, e.g. Dorian pattern is whwwwhw(as Michael's drawing shows) , so let us start on D(we can start on any note), the interval between the next note with D should be a whole step(or 2 semi tones, they are the same thing), so we pick E(piano and guitar are made like that, interval between D and E are a whole step), then next step is a half step, so we pick F(on piano, E and F is a half step, but on guitar, all frets are half step), and go on, if you still not sure what is interval, you can check Michael's basic chord video.
Best explanation EVER! I couldn't understand this, until now...
You know those moments when you feel your mind literally open wide with new comprehension. That was this video on modes.
All the years of never really understanding what the hell modes are all about feel so silly now.
Thanks! Keep up the great work!
Dude...thank you so much! I've been trying to self-teach music theory, and modes have always confused the hell out of me. This really laid it out for me and made it all come together. You're a fantastic teacher!
Yea I agree amazing video!!
phrygian isn't used much in classical piano music but it is in a lot of eastern music and in rock and metal. phrygian dominant is probably used more so than the normal phrygian but that's for another video i guess.
I just watched 12 of your videos in a row. You're an awesome teacher, man! I've learned so much in the last hour and a half or so then I ever thought I could! I'll definitely be back for more!
The locrian mode isn't utilized as much, but phyrigian is a very popular mode in metal and classical guitar pieces where the b2 is a useful grace note, trill, or part of a run, and doesn't interfere with your chordal harmonies unless you really want to sound weird. It's what you'd use if you want to sound eastern or get a "desert" feeling.
Your videos have truly changed how I think about music theory. I've never heard these concepts explained with such clarity! Thank you!
I have looked on the internet about modes and I was always confused by them and how to apply them. This is hands down the simplest and most useful explanation on modes. Most people never explain the relationship of the whole step and half step and how the starting point affects the order based on which mode you play. Thanks for making this clear. Seems so easy to understand now.
I never realised that when you're looking for the chords that go in a scale, you're basically just playing each mode's root chord! Ionan's is a major, Dorian's is minor, Phrygian is minor, Lydian is Major, Myxolydian is Major, Aeolian is minor and Locrian is diminished. Just like the chords that go on a major scale!
It's amazing just how everything in music theory is connected
Really love your videos man, these are some of the most useful videos i've watched. Thank you so much!
Yes! A new video to watch! Truly grateful to see your video again,and a HUGE thanks.
This is the clearest explanation of modes I've heard so far. Thanks for a great lesson!
In terms of actually playing this on the guitar, from a purely practical point of view, this is how I try to get my head around it on the fretboard.
ALWAYS keeping the tonal centre or root on C, try this:
For: C Ionian - play C Maj
C Dorian - play A# Maj scale - which starts a second interval below C
C Phrygian - play G# Maj scale - which starts a third interval below C
C Lydian - play G Maj scale - which starts a fourth interval below C
C Mixolydian - play F Maj scale - which starts a fifth interval below C
C Aeolian - play D# Maj scale - which starts a sixth interval below C
C Locrian - play C# Maj scale - which starts a seventh interval below C
This can be transposed to any other key.
I hope this helps somebody!
Thanks for all the brilliant vidz Michael. You are a great teacher.
I have been playing the piano and I have been struggling with music theory so much. Watching your videos has been so helpful. Thanks to you now I know what I am doing. :) Thank you so much!
Hey Michael, thanks a lot for taking the time to do these lessons. I know it takes time and effort to do them. You helped me a lot, and I am sure you helped a lot of other people as well who don't comment at all.
You're the best hands down man, I've learned so much from you that I had to show some appreciation!
I've spent the last 3 days looking at videos about modes on CZcams. This one wins the race. The clearest, most concise and easiest to follow. I feel like I really made a step forward because of it. Top job, sir! you have my like&sub :)
Totally agree. All the other videos I've watched on modes approach things from the other direction (if that makes sense), and it seemed to be just "this is how it is. Learn it". I think concentrating on the why underneath it all (i.e., the shifting patterns of intervals) made things clear to me immediately.
THE ONLY TUTORIAL THAT HELPED ME UNDERSTAND WHY THESE EXIST OMG ILY
Just finished your series on basic music theory and I owe you big :D I've tried several textbooks only to quit all of them. But you really make these things interesting and easy to learn. Now I'm ready for more in music theory :) Really big thanks man.
A dear friend of mine tried to explain modes earlier this year, and I could not wrap my head around them. I am a self-taught guitarist (~10 years) that lacks music theory. Your way of visualizing it with the half-lines, full-lines, makes it extremely helpful to memorize. Thank you very much! :D
This video has cleared up modes for me in a way that I've not seen elsewhere on the internet. For the longest time I'd been thinking about them in completely the wrong way. Definitely helped me understand them!
Thanks Michael. For years i have referred to countless books to understand the concept of modes but never understood clearly. You made it pretty simple to follow. Keep up the good work.
Hey, I'm 60 years old. I live in Belgium and I'm not native english speaker (rather frnch and dutch). During de Covid-19, I started to learn music theory and I just followed a few of your videos about 7th chords, key changes and some others). In 1:30 hour, I have understood many notions that I didn't luck in french books ! Thank you very much !!! :-)
Getting tired of all this Locrian/Phrygian hatred.
Wow, nice to see you here!
salad man
I have to disagree with people not really caring about Phrygian mode, or that it doesn't bring anything that sounds good. The "i - bII" chord progression is natural in Prygian mode and it's one that you've probably heard before (I believe it's quite common in Spanish guitar music).
Here's an example of those chord changes in Phrygian mode
czcams.com/video/SZes2J4ALt0/video.html
Just gonna jump in and add to what ur saying..Radiohead often use Phrygian too in their songs
I think you're referring to major -phrygian, used in the so-called andalusian cadence (which really isn't a cadence, but that's neither here nor there, it still sounds cool ). In music like flamenco you don't have i-bII but I-bII (i.e. major I). Sounds very different than what people usually think of when they think phrygian.
The flamenco thing comes from Phrygian Dominant I think, a mode of harmonic minor. Very exotic sounding.
Pink Guy I've had quite a few discussions about this. A lot of the problem is just that, like other "eastern" forms of music, western music theory just wasn't thought out to accurately describe flamenco. Not that it can't be done of course, just that it's fairly convoluted. The time signature is probably the main issue, and there are different schools of thought on this. And as far as the scale/mode goes, it's phrygian but, the chord patterns are based on phrygian dominant but the melodic scale used is usually phrygian natural. Add to that that some notes serve solely a rythmic purpose and they don't seem to care whether it fits in any scale or not. That rythmic note is usually the top E of the guitar (1st string). In the past, flamenco was mostly played in two "positions", either E phrygian or A phrygian (what they "por arriba" and "por medio", and to play in any other key, they'd use capo but wouldn't change the hand patterns they used), so that rythmic "E" note fit in quite nicely in the scale. But for the last 40 years or so, they've started experimenting quite a lot with other keys, Eb phrygian or G# phrygian are quite common nowadays in open position, and with some of those the rythmic E note is completely out of the scale but they'll still use for rythmic purposes.
I cannot agree with you enough! The phrygian has a very distinctive sound and is not even that uncommon. "Spanish" sounding is the first thing that pops into mind, but it has other uses too.
Frank Zappa's Black Napkins is in C# phrygian and is based on a simple alternating chord sequence of C#m - D. I do, btw, think most of the modes have such an alternating chord formula, such as i - IV for the dorian and I - bVII for mixo. These can be used for establishing the tonality and feel of the mode.
That would at least be a quick way to get into them.
I agree with him on the locrian though... kind of. The problem is not that it's weird but that it's hard to stay *in* the locrian. I tried writing something in it once, but I figured out eventually that I was actually in the phrygian, i.e. the center of gravity wasn't where I'd thought it was originally. Any attempt at an alternating sequence will just make it resolve somewhere else!
i've watched all your music theory videos. i dont know that i'll ever write any music but i love playing it and music theory just baffles me. it's cool stuff and i like knowing why some things work and why others dont and you manage to make it super clear, something that can be super hard to do with music. can't wait for the next one
I thought you said this would be complicated! The most complicated thing about this was the names!
But you really taught it well. I thought this would be years ahead of me and here you are explaining it to me in a 15 minute video.
I'm going to have to watch more of your videos; this is really good.
Maan, great explanation once again! It's a gift of yours to simplify things but at the same time have a lot of depth in them!
This is THE BEST modes video i've ever watched, and i've seen a looot. Thanks duude!
I watched a few videos about modes by now. Only now that I watch this, I really get it. Good work!
Now I understand! I've watched 5 or 6 explanations already tonight and this was the only one that made any sence. Brilliant.
Wow so so clear. Great video!!! Seriously appreciate the clear and conciseness of your content!!
Fourth video I've watched trying to figure out modes. Only now do I understand!! thanks a million. Your diagram showing steps made it all clear. Thanks!
You are such an awesome teacher! You take the most fundamental points of a given topic and make it immediately understandable. I wish all teaching was done this way. Once the basic concept is understood, it's much easier to then learn the more complicated nuances of it. Thank you so much again for creating these videos.
Never thought I'd understand the daunting "modes of music," but you've proven me wrong! Thanks for the lesson!
The best Lesson about Modes available in the universe 👌👌
This was an incredible explanation. Simple but complete, easy to follow but not necessarily superficial. Thanks a bunch!
You're the best teacher, man. Love your material and I've learned so many things I've always wondered. :)
Can't say if I've seen or heard such detailed explanation, but it's worthwhile, thanks!
I'm really enjoying your videos Michael... You've got a natural gift for teaching! Cheers
Best explanation of the modes I've seen yet.
I've been trying to teach myself guitar for the past year and a half...I didn't understand any of the modal stuff until JUST NOW! Thanks, and I just SUBSCRIBED!
I have taken enough lessons and music theory classes to know this, but it's been over a decade, so I enjoyed watching your videos. Thanks.
I never comment on videos, but I had to make an exception. THANK YOU for these videos. Your explanations and examples are great. You have definitely earned a subscription from me. I can't wait to tackle your next lesson.
Dude, watched a number of your videos on theory and you really nail it. Awesome work 🙌 thank you 🙏
so much love for these tutorials..
you literally are the best teacher ever. you have a gift
I've been exploring modes on my bass (guitar) for the past month or so, this video couldn't have been timed any better. As every video, very helpful :).
As the "Circle od Fifth" one, this video is the most clear and easy to understand lesson on modes. I saw tons of videos about it on guitar (i'm a guitar player), but this is the best.
I've heard many explanations on modes but this is the best. Great demonstration. Thank you very much!
Man, you nailed! Excellent explanation!
Very clear! Good luck!
Will follow you!
I am in love...with your lessons :)
Great videos! I love what your doing. I know a few things but I always still got confused on just the basics. Past explanations were always so baffling. Can't wait till the next video.
Thank you. So helpful. Simple but conveys all the important ideas.
cool :) really great lesson! i knew before how to build modes, but hadn't really an understanding of how they really work und sound. thank you very much
this is the best explanation on modes i've come across
Your approach really works for me. Hearing about modes before somehow always triggered a cow chewing cud in my brain, but your way of talking about it was very interesting.
Best video on modes I've seen yet
"its going to get really hard fast" - Michael New
"That's what she said!" - Michael Scott
Giggity
Giggity goooo
Epic lesson on modes, keep up the good work.
Nice explanation. I hear pieces of these scales when I noodle a ukulele and guitar, but I didn't know they all had names or tied together like that. You've sir have earned a subscriber
This was my first lesson of modes and damn there is so much understanding just got it 15mins, thanks alot, huge love man ❤️
Thank you! You're the best teacher
This is the best explanation of modes that I've ever seen! ❤️
I watched many, many videos on modes and walked away confused, but your explanation makes it easy. Thank You!
thank you for explaining it so clearly! I was trying to explain modes to my gf and ended up showing your video and tbh I needed a refresher on it myself. awesome job. gonna check out your other videos as well. :)
God Job Michael, very helpful!!!! ThankYou for posting!
Thank you. Best explanation I found on modes... great for beginners.
Best explanation ever， I finally have a clue on modes. Thank you so much!!!
I love your videos Michael! You have honestly taught me more about music theory than anything else. I just wanna point out that the distinct sounds and 'vibes' emanating from the phrygian and locrian modes are used lots in progressive rock, and 'scary' cinemac soundtracks, and phrygian is also used in spanish music quite often. I wouldn't discredit them as being unfavorable :] i'm sure in classical music they sound very odd and out of place, but in other genres, they are used extensively.
Again, thank you so much for making these videos; You're a godsend mate. Cheers!
LOVE LOVE LOOOOVEEEE YOUR VIDEOS! They're very informative, entertains and full of knowledge! Keep it up 😁
Both the major and minor scales and the modes , are the indian-hindustani-classical-music equivalent of a "raag"(infact there are about a hundred raagas defined) . Untill I saw this video , I wondered how the western music manages with just the major and minor scales! . Got my answer :) . Also , as always , you're a wonderful teacher :)
+Sravani Vadlamani
From what little I know, raagas are a lot more complex, and offer many more possibilities than Western modes. For example, if I want to have an augmented fourth *and* a diminished seventh in my scale, that's no longer a mode, but something else entirely. And for people thinking such a scale would sound utterly bizarre: that's the theme from The Simpsons.
Western music just has a lot of very arbitrary and nonsensical definitions that we just happen to follow. The raag system just sounds a lot more flexible and interesting, while still holding a strong level of rigour. As a result, it sounds "weird" to much of the Western world, which is a shame.
you're close but those are actually 'thaats' in indian-hindustani-classical. 'Thaats' are the bases from where ragas are derived and unlike the ragas, there are only 10 thaats.
To compare the two:
ionian mode = bilaval thaat
dorian mode = kaafi thaat
phrygian mode = bhaiavi thaat
lydian mode = kalyan thaat
mixed lydian mode = khamaj thaat
aeonian mode = asavari thaat
There are 4 more thaats - Bhairav, Marva, Purvi and Todi. All these have a lowered second and sound pretty cool. In fact Bhairav is considered a go-to thaat when composing dark/sad music...
Hope this helps... :)
Vatsal Pandya 😎Good Info
Fernie Canto appreciate your perspective good food for thought.
@@vatsalpandya5415 Thank you Vatsal
sir.. you are such a great teacher.. wow.. best explanation ever..
thanks for the in depth instruction and explanation :) Very easy to follow
The names of the modes came from regions of Ancient Greece. There was a place called Lydia, Ionia, Locris etc. If it wasn’t a place it was a type of people. The modes were named after those places because their music in their region used those scales. The names of the modes were used by future musicians because they thought it would be cool for the modes to keep their old names(I think). Its no different if we had a mode named Chicagoan or New Yorker today.
Locrians were preety metal then
you are the best in explaining music it's really easy to understand thank you a lot for making these videos they help a lot.
I've never had modes explained to me so clearly before! It finally makes sense!!!!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!! :)
You are the only one that made me realize what a mode really is, thank U so much Michael
I have been trying to learn this for so long this vid helped A LOT
This lesson was super-helpful. Thanks so much!
I'd definitely love to see you talk about my favorite scale, the Arabic scale. It goes half step, whole and a half step, half step, whole step, half step, whole and a half step, half step. In the key of C, it's C, C#, E, F, G, G#, B. I think I've also heard this called the Phrygian Dominant scale but I don't know if that's right.
WolfLink64 Yep, that's the phrygian dominant, which is a mode of the harmonic minor scale. I'm planning on doing a video on some of the harmonic scales and modes, and I'll definitely mention that :)
Thank you for explaining this! I have been learning piano on my own for almost a yr now. I had a hard time grasping modes! Your videos have been helpful for me during my journey, esp for someone without a teacher. 😁
Awesome and thank you! You're a gifted teacher.
4:24 Nationwide is on your side
This was the best and easiest to understand lesson on modes. Thank you.
Great lesson, as always:) Thanks!
Excellent simplification! Thanks!
great stuff man! keep it coming.
Thank you. This has helped me to learn the theory of modes. I'm just digging away at what modes are about before I apply them to the guitar.
Fantastic! You're helping me eradicate(almost) the frustration of making electronic music. Fun to write a song before even making the synth.
you make dope videos, I always learn something. thank you
I'm doing music by ear and every time I tryed to learn some theory... It was always too boring...
But YOU guy made it interesting and clear ! Thanks a lot for all your lessons !!!
Great explanation! Nice and concise.