Originally Posted by: crazyguyLet's take the example of C major/ A minor (these are relative scales, ie. the notes are the same). Modes are actually a generalization of this.
If you play notes C major starting from C and ending on C you get ionian mode, from D to D gives you dorian, E to E is phrygian etc. This is also a good way to learn different fingering shapes.
Obviously, you can derive modes from any scale (harmonic or melodic minor, for example), but the ones mentioned above are the most common, except for the 3rd mode of harmonic minor, called spanish phrygian (a typical Y.J.M. song would go from an A minor part into an E major, play some licks in E spanish phrygian, and down the F diminished stairs back to A minor).

Nicely Done.