Originally Posted by: TheSquidExcellent post Schlegel! You have cleared up most of my issues. I do have one more question though.[/quote]
Good deal. Conceptual clarity is what are after. :)

Originally Posted by: TheSquidSo when you say play E-Phrygian over those chords, would you use the scale the same, or would you use the modes of the new key you`re in?

For example:

C-Ionian over C-Major
E-Phrygian over E-minor
G-Mixolydian over G-Major
[/quote]
I mostly use any scale/mode in terms of chord tones: targeting or avoiding them depending upon the musical result I want. Sometimes I use a mode or scale simply as an ornamental device - I want THAT sound right there in the music. That's a matter of acquired experience; learning what sounds good where.

Originally Posted by: TheSquid
Is that what you meant by your example, or would your tonal focus always be E-Phrygian, since that was the only example that was given for the three chords?

My focus is on the chord tones, regardless of which mode. The other scale/mode notes are the passing tones that help with overall integration (being part of the overall chord progression or key) or ornamental "color". And more: if there aren't any chords (just a loose "riff jam" or whatever) then I imply them by using scales and modes in a way that suggests them or sounds them outright.
[QUOTE=TheSquid]
And if you wanted to play it a different way, you could just stay in the key of G-major, so like my example before?

C-lydian over C-maj
E-Aeolian over E-minor
G-Ionian over G-maj
B-Phrygian over B-minor

Yes. However, keep in mind that all those modes of G major contain the same notes: they in effect are the G major scale, just giving each note a chance to be "1st in line". So, you can use the C Lydian mode when the G major chord is happening. You just emphasize the notes g-b-d. Same with B Phrygian, etc.

If you are not modulating or changing keys to get "borrowed" modes, I think it's mostly valuable to think about modes in terms of fretboard positions instead of distinctly different sounds.
[QUOTE=TheSquid]Thank for all your help!!