Hey Slip - That was a really good demonstration. The extra semi-tone in that particular mode made it even easier to hear. (thanks, by the way, for throwing another letter (A) into my comfy little W and H world :) .....

Wanna take a shot at something ? I get the basic gist of modes. I am a little confused as to why, if the chord prog you used was in D, would you start your lead line with a D ? If it's a Phryg mode would that not dictate that you would be going from III to III ? (F# - F# ?) That confuses me but it is the least of my questions ...

The book I am using explains the whole modal thing nicely, everything is clear as a bell until it says this: ( I will try to show what it says but it may not format correctly here ... my best shot):

"Each of these modes will be most suited to a particular chord which occurs in the key. This relationship between the mode and the chord is summarized below" ( using the key of C )

Mode Chord Example (C)
I-I Imaj7 C Ionian matches Cmaj7

11-11 IIm7 D Dorian matches Dm7

III-III IIIm7 E Phrygian matches Em7

IV-IV IVmaj7 F Lydian matches Fmaj7

V-V V7 G Mixolydian matches G7

VI-VI VIm7 a Aeolian matches Am7

VII-VII VIIdim7 B Locrian matches Bdim7

Hopefully when I push "send" the above will remain formatted in a readable form. So what is all this "matches" thing about ?? Is it a particular chord, or chord within a progression that dictates a "correct" mode to use ?? "Most suited to a particular chord" - what does that mean ? Can you not play any mode you "choose" based just on the key ? What is the significance (for example) that the IV-IV Lydian mode "matches" a maj7 chord ??

I realize that I may not have the proper foundation in theory and maybe I'm just hopelessly in over my head ? I've put an effort into this whole modes thing several times and always just "give up". I am comfortable with all the common scales - I can move all around and change root/key positions to compliment specific chords within a progression, mix maj/min, etc. - but this whole mode-to-chord relationship thing completely escapes me. I hesitate to invest time in memorizing the modes if I can't see where it's all heading (?). It's like "why build a boat if there's no water around"?

Help me if you can Dr. Slip .... if what I need to hear is that I need to go back and re-take 3rd grade before embarking on the mode adventure - just say it - I can take it :)

Thanks again for taking the time to put up the audio demo. I thot it was very helpful. I think you made the point you were going for quite well.

Best Regards- Ken