modes and scales explained

i always read threads in this section about all these modes and scales that end in -ain. can anyone explain "modes" and give me a few scales that are commonly used in more than one style of playing. (tab is always nice...)

A scale goes from a note to the same note, but one octave higher. From C to C for example. We have divided this octave in 12 notes. Scales are only the notes you choose to play on your way from the root note (C here) to the higher root note (C again). Usually, in modes, you have 7 notes, including the root. C major (or Ionian) is CDEFGAB. C minor (or Aeolian) Is CDEbFGbBb. SO each mode has its set of notes. You can have 5 notes scales (pentatonic) up to 12 notes (chromatic) Less than 5, you have a chord or arpeggio.

lalimacefolle,
That's one of the best explanations of modes I've ever heard. You must be a good guitar teacher. By the way, I agree with you when you advise members on this site to seek instruction from a teacher, rather than try to slug it out on their own(no pun intended). I've been do this for a living for many many years and I still take lessons when I'm not gigging. So does Kirk Hammett.

Thanks dude. Teaching is what I've always done, even when I was a student. I have struggled so hard with music and everything that I had to learn things my own way. Now I pass it on... Ironic huh?

So is the C pentatonic major a mode of the C major?

It's C major without the second and the sixth.

no lal C Major Pentatonic is missing the 4th and the 7th degrees, it has the 2nd and the 6th. :)

true, I was on the minor one.

Originally posted by lalimacefolle
true, I was on the minor one.

ah, but he asked about the c major pent.

oh well