I like using fomulas e.i. dorian b3,b7...phrygian b2,b3,b6,b7...lydian #4...mixolydian b7...aeolian b3,b6,b7...locrian b2,b3,b5,b6,b7....learn them both as paterns and notes and realitive degrees of a mojor scale in all keys. A mode is simply a method(mode) of travell from place to place on the frets, each has a different feel or "ride" through the pathways.
Besides the fact that C-major is a good doorway into theory because of the absense of accidentals, this key also scientifically correalates mathmatically to organs of the body, planets, pi..phi greek geometry, the atom, etc. It's a good "default" setting for a guitarist to refer back too, for all musical realationships.

[Edited by nechako on 06-13-2002 at 12:50 PM]