Hey, Johnathan. Welcome to GT!

Originally Posted by: John825My main question; what's the point of modes?

Modes have essentially two uses:

1. Positions of the major scale. You can use the modes simply as patterns that cover the entire fretboard and use them to play in one scale in any position. Obviously this is a very powerful visual aid when you are trying to "unlock" the fretboard and move around it everywhere at will.

This tutorial covers the topic in depth:
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=370

2. For the same reason you use different chords or scales: to get different sounds.

This tutorial covers the topic in depth:
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=770

Have a look at those & see if they help. Ask more questions as necessary. Have fun with the modes. :)