" When we want to play in Dorian mode, we play from root to root following the W H W W W H W interval formula."
I don't ever recall hearing the phrase "interval formula" but, for me, it really hit home. I understand that - completely.
I was also on the wrong track because when I heard a reference to " X Dorian " I incorrectly inferred that the X was designating the KEY , not the ROOT. That also clears my head.
As I doodle about the guitar with this enlightenment it occurs to me that I already use modal playing ( sort of... mostly in fragments ) when I improvise. I just called them "mistakes" HaHa. I also know now why it is that when I play using the harmonic minor scale ( aeolian? ) I find it more difficult to transition through certain chord changes... ie the Em - Amaj change as opposed to the more predictable Em - Am you mentioned. Interesting. I can use that.
I won't lie. When it came to all that chord matching stuff I was hoping you were going to say " oh, no problem, don't pay any attention to that stuff - you can play in any mode you want - whenever you want"...... That's apparently not the case. Damn!
I read thru your explanation several times and I can honestly say my comprehension on modes is at an all time high. Whether I can take what you've shown me and develop into a player who employs modes at will is (while we're talking honestly) doubtful. But I am glad the shroud of mystery has been lifted and I sincerely appreciate the time and effort you made to help me out. I will continue to doodle away at the concept and I'm sure some improvement will result.I definitely found some diamonds in the coal.
That backing track you used to make your mode demo is a pretty good example of the type of track I wish I could do better with. Hopefully something I glistened here will help with that.
Ur a stand-up guy slip - Thanks Again , Ken