The three major modes
Ionian, Lydian, Mixolydian
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Major pentatonic modes
Build the major modes from the Major Pentatonic scale
The major modes are easy to learn on the guitar because of their relationship with the Major Pentatonic.
Simply start with a Major Pentatonic scale shape, add either the 4 or #4, as well as either the b7 or maj7 to create the desired mode.
Below, you’ll find a diagram displaying the intervals as well as what it looks like on the guitar fretboard.
When you practise any of these modes, start by playing the Major Pentatonic, then add the desired interval, one at a time.
Major Pentatonic |
1 |
2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | ||||
Ionian | 4 | 7 | |||||||
Lydian | #4 | 7 | |||||||
Mixolydian | 4 | b7 |
Major Modes in Chordacus
In Chordacus, these modes are highlighted around the chord and pentatonic scale like this:
- Chord shape – Red
- Major Pentatonic – Yellow
- Maj7 and #4 – Light Brown
- b7 and 4 – Dark Brown
A Ionian
A Lydian
A Mixolydian
How to best practise the major modes
The best way to practise the major modes is to allow each important note to pop out, one after another, like this:
- Chord shape
- Major Pentatonic
- add 4 or #4
- Major Pentatonic
- add b7 or 7
- Major Pentatonic
- Full mode
- Chord shape
Follow this routine and your hands will be quicker than your head.
Related Pages
Course
Learning how to play guitar is best done through playing and learning from songs.
The advanced songs require you to learn 7th note chords, arpeggios, and modal scales. This will be revolutionary for your understanding of the guitar fret board.
Go to Advanced guitar course.
Exercises
These are pretty advanced exercises. You’ll be playing 7th note chords, arpeggios and modes all over the neck.
But don’t fret – As you’ve already mapped out the fret board with pentatonic scales and barre chords, extending the concept is actually really simple.
Go to Advanced guitar exercises.
Songs
You can learn how to play these advanced songs on the acoustic guitar.
Angels, Baby Won’t You Please Come Home, Blackbird, Cannonball, Don’t Wait Too Long, I Shot The Sheriff, Over The Rainbow, Roxanne, Scarborough Fair, Sunshine Of Your Love, Take Me To The River, Tears In Heaven, and Wish You Were Here.
Go to Advanced acoustic songs.
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