Originally Posted by: Pantallica1Modes 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.