Originally Posted by: seanamonThe important thing to understand about Mixolydian, is if you don't understand the Mode in use over its backing tracks, chances are you're just using it as an Extension of the Major scale in function.[/quote]
Fair enough! Good point. :)

Here is an intro to the modes of the major scale.

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=370

Here is how to practice & use each mode.

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=770
[QUOTE=seanamon]There are a multitude of uses for the Mixolydian mode, but you do need a foundation in Music Theory, to where you understand triads and their functions within the Key, Knowledge of extended chords off triads, and the understanding of the interrelationships with Chords and their Scales.

You bet. And I have plenty of lessons on all those topics. However, it can also be valuable for beginners to the modes to simply play around with them to start to hear how they sound. It's ultimately invaluable to know how the modes are integrated into the wider aspects of music theory.

But it's not necessary to get started. And for some players it's not desireable to spend years studying functional harmony to grasp the virually unlimited possibilities of the modes. So it depends upon each individual's goals with the guitar & music.

You are right that competent knowledge of modes requires basics in music theory. But we discuss it often here! And we have multiple video lesson tutorials that deal with it in depth!

Hope that helps. :)