The colour of music:
Understanding Modes
One of the most googled words in guitar forums is “modes”. In this lesson series, we will go through what modes are, how they are constructed, what they sound like, and how they’re used in improvisation/composition. We will also look at what makes a modal chord progression as well as common uses of modal interchange.
Format: Online 1 On 1
Lesson Length: 30min, 45min, or 60min
Lesson Price: Starting from $27 USD
Topics Covered in this Course:
- Modal construction (melodic/harmonic) derived from the 3 parent scales
- Understanding characteristic notes
- Hearing the sound of each mode
- intervallic structure of modes
- Composing and Improvising modal melodies
- Building and indentifying modal chord progressions
- Modal interchange in the melody
- Modal interchange in the harmony
- Popular song analysis
- Composing with modes
FAQs
Who is this course for?
Anyone who has ever wondered what exactly modes are and how they’re used. They are invaluable for songwriters wanting to add more tone color to their tunes, as well as improvisers wanting to add more color to their note choice.
What are the prerequisites?
A basic understanding of the circle of 5ths, intervals, key signatures, and chord construction are helpful. If you are a bit rusty on those things, we will go over them during the lesson. If you already have those things down, we will spend more time on applying these concepts to modal playing.
Do I need to know theory for this course?
All pertinent theory will be discussed throughout the course, but basic major scale and chord knowledge will certainly help things go quicker.
Does it matter if I play electric or acoustic?
Not at all, use the type of guitar you play with most.
What styles of music will this course focus on?
Modes are found in various amounts in most genres over the past several decades. I will aim to show students a broad array of songs in different genres that demonstrate use of modes as well as have students improvise/and or compose in the style they want to play in. If I know that you favor a particular genre, I will taylor the examples to fit your personal musical interests.
Can I record the lessons?
Yes, but I ask that you keep them for your own private viewing.
Can we play together during the lesson?
It is possible, but only if you have an account with JamKazam, a direct Ethernet cable to your router, talkback mic, and appropriate digital I/O. Jamkazm will run an automated test on your setup and let you know of any signal speed bottlenecks.
What do I need for this lesson technically?
All lessons are done through zoom. A reasonably fast, clear internet connection, a webcam, and your guitar are the basic requirements. If you wear headphones, make sure there is an onboard microphone to pickup the sound of your guitar. If you have an audio interface, that’s even better to separate your guitar signal and your headphone signal. A big monitor is also helpful to clearly see me, my guitar, and any written material I display on the screen
What materials do I need for this course?
I will supply any written materials and tune charts in the lessons.
Will we be doing any performing in this class?
Absolutely, any example I use or tune you suggest, it’s beneficial to play through and hear these concepts in action and get them under your fingers.
Cancelled Lessons Policy
Students can cancel one lesson of the course provided there is 24hrs notification… in which case I will reschedule that lesson for you. Additional absences will not be refunded or rescheduled.