Anyone who aspires to be a lead guitarist will eventually want to learn guitar scales and the modes. Using the modes offers so many more opportunities with lead guitar, but a lot of players often overlook it. It's important to understand these are not the pentatonic or blues scales. The point is; if you can learn how to add a few notes to the pentatonic scales and play with your pinky you're going to be able to play diverse and impressive sounding solos.
When you begin to learn guitar scales, you should learn the various modes. Each key that you can play in actually has seven different modes. Seven keys times seven modes equals 49 different guitar scales for you to play with! Guitar scale modes are created by differing where you begin and where you end playing the scale. This may sound simplistic, but this makes a significant difference to the sound and feel of the scale and, therefore, your lead playing.
Ionian Mode- When dealing with ionian mode you're simply playing the major scale. This is the first mode you will see whenever you start to learn guitar scales. The formula is Root Tone-T-T-ST-T-T-T-ST. The "T" stands for a full tone or 2 frets. The "ST" means a semi-tone or 1 fret. So if you play a C scale in ionian mode you will start and end with on C.
Dorian Mode- used in rock and blues. This mode begins and ends with the major scale's second tone. So in the key of C, simply start and end on the D note.
Phrygian Mode. This is very popular for giving an "Egyptian" or Middle Eastern feel to a lead break. To play in Phrygian mode, you start and end on the major scale's third tone. So to use C as our example, C Phrygian starts and ends with an E note.
Lydian Mode. This is great for giving a "neo-Classical" or even Renaissance feel to a guitar solo (or if you're doing a jazzy solo it works wonders for that, too). To play a guitar scale in Lydian mode, you begin and end the lead break or solo on the scale's fourth tone. So, in C, you will begin and end a solo on the F note.
Mixolydian Mode- If you love jazz or rock guitar solos; then check out the mixolydian mode. In our example of C major, create this mode by starting and finishing with the G. The mixolydian mode sounds similar to the major scale, but with a flattened seventh, creating a "bluesy" sound.
The Aeolian Mode is also known as the natural minor scale. This scale can create a sad or sombre feel to a song or solo. It is used in a variety of styles of music, from slow ballads to heavy metal. Here you will start and finish with the A note in the key of C major.
Locrian Mode- One of the most unusual modes has to be the Locrian mode. You can create high levels of tension by using its leading tone. It will be that anticipating factor that lets you know the root note is approaching. In this mode the solos will start and finish with B. This B note sits just a semitone under the C giving this effect.
Hopefully this has given you plenty of insight into the different sounds available when soloing on the guitar. If you want to learn guitar scales you should always make sure you learn the modes.
When you begin to learn guitar scales, you should learn the various modes. Each key that you can play in actually has seven different modes. Seven keys times seven modes equals 49 different guitar scales for you to play with! Guitar scale modes are created by differing where you begin and where you end playing the scale. This may sound simplistic, but this makes a significant difference to the sound and feel of the scale and, therefore, your lead playing.
Ionian Mode- When dealing with ionian mode you're simply playing the major scale. This is the first mode you will see whenever you start to learn guitar scales. The formula is Root Tone-T-T-ST-T-T-T-ST. The "T" stands for a full tone or 2 frets. The "ST" means a semi-tone or 1 fret. So if you play a C scale in ionian mode you will start and end with on C.
Dorian Mode- used in rock and blues. This mode begins and ends with the major scale's second tone. So in the key of C, simply start and end on the D note.
Phrygian Mode. This is very popular for giving an "Egyptian" or Middle Eastern feel to a lead break. To play in Phrygian mode, you start and end on the major scale's third tone. So to use C as our example, C Phrygian starts and ends with an E note.
Lydian Mode. This is great for giving a "neo-Classical" or even Renaissance feel to a guitar solo (or if you're doing a jazzy solo it works wonders for that, too). To play a guitar scale in Lydian mode, you begin and end the lead break or solo on the scale's fourth tone. So, in C, you will begin and end a solo on the F note.
Mixolydian Mode- If you love jazz or rock guitar solos; then check out the mixolydian mode. In our example of C major, create this mode by starting and finishing with the G. The mixolydian mode sounds similar to the major scale, but with a flattened seventh, creating a "bluesy" sound.
The Aeolian Mode is also known as the natural minor scale. This scale can create a sad or sombre feel to a song or solo. It is used in a variety of styles of music, from slow ballads to heavy metal. Here you will start and finish with the A note in the key of C major.
Locrian Mode- One of the most unusual modes has to be the Locrian mode. You can create high levels of tension by using its leading tone. It will be that anticipating factor that lets you know the root note is approaching. In this mode the solos will start and finish with B. This B note sits just a semitone under the C giving this effect.
Hopefully this has given you plenty of insight into the different sounds available when soloing on the guitar. If you want to learn guitar scales you should always make sure you learn the modes.
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Play your very own awesome sounding guitar solos over the next 7 days and truly amaze your friends and family! (Even if you are new to lead guitar) Click here - Learn Guitar Scales to receive your FREE soloing guide not available anywhere else. This guide will help you master Pentatonic Guitar Scales in no time at all, utilising the same techniques as professional guitar players use.
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