Modes where to start

I'd like to learn the modes I've also heard to learn modes you should know the major scale up and down the neck which I don't. So I was hoping someone could show where I should start.

Modes are very easy to understand, conceptually.

If you know the C major (Ionian) scale, it goes C D E F G A B C.

To play D dorian, just start on D and play: D E F G A B C D. Same notes, just starting on a different note and going up.

All you're doing is "inverting" the scale.

If you shuffle them around enough you'll see that C Ionian and F Lydian are the same notes.

You'll also find which notes you change to get to a new mode. For instance, C Ionian... raise the 4th (F) and you have C D E F# G A B C.

Then it's just a matter of memorizing them, learning the sound of them, figuring out how to get between them and use them.

Schlegel has a 24-lesson Tutorial on Modes here: http://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=13423

-Carl.

Originally Posted by: rlajack1217I'd like to learn the modes I've also heard to learn modes you should know the major scale up and down the neck which I don't. So I was hoping someone could show where I should start.

Start by learning the major scale patterns across the fretboard:

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=453

Then, learn the minor scale patterns:

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=887

Then, you will be ready for the modes:

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

Then, you can practice the modes:

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=770

This last is the tutorial Mr. King linked, thanks Carl!

Ask more questions if necessary, have fun! :)

Thank you both for the help.

Originally Posted by: Carl King
All you're doing is "inverting" the scale.

Inverting would mean that you do the scale backwards or reverse the order of something. You don't need to invert anything. It's just starting the scale on different note.

Originally Posted by: hunter1801Inverting would mean that you do the scale backwards or reverse the order of something. You don't need to invert anything. It's just starting the scale on different note.

Getting to the modes that way is similar to chord inversions, in that you're using the same note names -- but putting a different note on the bottom.

And it sounds like you're thinking of Retrograde.

-Carl.