Originally Posted by: x0o_BurnOut_o0xAlright, Ive been desperately trying to figure out music theory for a couple weeks and all this talk about modes, patterns, keys, degrees and stuff is really freaking me out. I asked this kid whos been playing longer then me but obviously didnt take the time to learn it either cause he didnt know. I have been writeing these notes on a little pad of paper and until now i hadnt anyone to ask. What are modes? How are they used? Why are they important? Keys, same thing. Degrees, I get partially but any info will help. Patterns...i dont have a clue. Again any info on these or anyother aspect or music theory will help SOOO much :) Thanks

Modes are not that difficult once you understand the notes of a scale.

For example:

C Major: C D E F G A B C

Now, if you start on the next note, but play the same sequence of notes you have a mode:

D Dorian

D E F G A B C D

E Phrygian

E F G A B C D E

F Lydian

F G A B C D E F

G Mixolydian

G A B C D E F G

A Aeolian (Natural Minor)

A B C D E F G A

B Locrian

B C D E F G A B

Not so bad eh? Modes just offer different "flavors" to the music.

Patterns or boxes refer to scale shapes:

e|-----5-------8----
b|-----5-------8----
g|-----5------7-----
d|-----5------7-----
a|-----5------7-----
E|-----5-------8----

These notes are played individually and make up A pentatonic minor.

That's one shape or pattern. The thing thats bad about learning this way is players often get trapped inside these boxes and only play the notes within them. You'll hear people ripping on Kirk Hammet for using his penta-licks this way.

It's best off to start learning the notes of the fretboard, then major and minor scales. After that it sort of falls into place.

Hope that helps. Any more questions shoot away, or just do a search. This topics been discussed a million times.