Originally Posted by: buckethead14okay so i got that riff down...should i improivse on it...speed it up?....

After you have played that riff enough times where it feels and sounds good, start speeding it up and incorporate a portion of the riff by sliding into the next pattern, like this: marked as **
E5-E8-E5-E8-a5-E8-a5 a7-a5-a7-d5-a7-d5 d7-d5-d7-g5-d7-g5
g7-g5-g7---*g9*-g7-*g9 b8-g9-b8-b10* then decend back starting with *e8-b10-b8-b10-b8-g9*----etc.
Most experienced players adapt to using a part or segment of the scale patterns and create their style from there.
Your curiousity regarding Modes was stated correctly (D-D = D- Dorian, applied from a C Major scale) Do you understand why? If not, it will come in time. First thing is to understand the basics. Interval theory becomes much clearer once the basic knowledge sets in. A basic explanation to the hill you're climbing is Major Vs. minor, which consist of 7 notes, including modes. The riff being practiced contain only 5 notes (Pentatonic) of a scale. When incorporating those two extra notes, your playing a more dominate sound, If it's a Major tone that dominates, it can produce a happy uplifting sound, creating a good positive charge for most attending church. A minor dominating tone can produce a darker side to your sound..