Now as for modes, thats a different subject entirely, Let me give an example,--- In the key G major on the 12th-13th-14th-15th frets there's a four fret block scale that runs from top/low pitch E/12th fret all the way down to bottom/high pitch G/15th fret. Now this scale which has a total of 16 pitches from top to bottom, and 6 more open string pitches,(because the key Gmajor includes all the open string notes within the key, which are--
E-B-G-D-A-E. So that means if you add up the 16 fingered notes within this block scale, and the 6 open string notes there are a total of 22 different pitches you can start the mode from, and a higher number of modal structures can be created within this four fret scale because the note combinations are many, and varied to the tastes of the player, make no mistake about it this 12th thru 15th block scale in key Gmajor is only a scale, and will only become a certain mode when a root note has been selected, and/or a pattern of note selection within the above scale is reached.
It's almost like saying the poor little scale is so lonely, a mode he wish he could be, but untill some one comes to play me I'll remain G-A-BC-D-E-F#G ,
SCALES are not MODES, but have modes within them, if you dont belive me just count the number of scales in any one key starting at the nut in four fret increments, with the scale moving thru all six strings, and then try to count the number of modes in that same scale block using random note selections only within the same first 4 frets, and six strings . You will find that from one scale there are many modal patterns, all using the same notes from the same scale, same key, but starting from a different pitch than the scales lowest note, and in modes you can skip intervals, mix, and match, whatever, as long as you stay within the diatonic scale of the key your playing out of.
Myself, I learn the DT key pattern throughout the neck, and then I start experimenting with many different modes, and note combinations, and octaves always never straying far from Diatonic scale function. You can hardly go wrong as long as you play in key, thow chromatic notes have their place, I would learn the basic scale first, and master it so not to get lost out of key within the song, and possibly throw the band off too..Booooo
And for all those who are far advanced, of the above principals, feel free to add even more instruction, or disagreements :cool:
