Hey, Johnathan. Welcome to GT!

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

Modes have essentially two uses:

1. Positions & patterns 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 (& therefore one key) 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. :)