How To Use The Modes Of Any Scale You Come Across

We’ve gone through lots of theory and many ideas that may be overwhelming. 

Maybe you’re more fascinated by music theory than ever before….Maybe you hate taking the time do this and you’re going to “play by ear” now.

Whatever the case, I hope you remember that playing a mode is just playing a scale on a different degree than the root note. 

So you can go to any exotic scale, any harmonic minor or melodic minor scale, or any scale you can think of….and you’ll be playing in some kind of mode. 

Even the minor pentatonic scale can be seen as having modes, and I’ll show you how now….. 

E Minor Pentatonic = E – G – A – B – D 

G Major Pentatonic (2nd mode) = G – A – B – D – E 

A ??? Pentatonic Scale (3rd Mode) = A – B – D – E – G 

B ??? Pentatonic Scale (4th Mode) = B – D – E – G – A 

D ??? Pentatonic Scale (5th Mode) = D – E – G – A – B 

As there are only 5 notes available, they can’t make the sound of as many chords as a major scale or a minor scale. This is the limitations of using the pentatonic scale modally, but it’s useful for going between major and minor pentatonics, and thus remembering all the patterns. It will take practice to do this on the fly though. 

Now look at the A Harmonic Minor scale and E Phrygian Dominant Scale: 

A Harmonic Minor scale = A – B – C – D – E – F – G# (maj7 interval) 

E Phrygian Dominant scale (5th mode of A harm minor) = E – F – G# – A – B – C – D

The E-F, F-G#, G#-A, and B-C intervals all add an interesting series of sounds together that give the exotic spanish middle east feel some guitarists love a lot. 

But also, the phrygian dominant scale is yet another way to play the chord tones of……

E7: E – G# – B – D 

A harmonic minor (again): A – B – C – D – E – F – G# 

By adding this section, I’m hoping to tie up many of the loose ends you may have and objections to using this stuff…

If you’re a metal player, you’ll love the phrygian dominant scale, and the trick I just showed you helps you remember it…..

If you’re a country player, or a fan of Duane Allman, the modal trick of going to a major pentatonic to a minor pentatonic will be immensely helpful. 

If you’re a jazz player, you better understand the dorian mode and how to use it and when. Just wait till you explore the modes and chords available from the melodic minor….

This is the most practical knowledge you can have when studying music! 

A bunch of random info about raising the 6th interval, or having some modal licks you can’t remember….

Is just not as helpful, in my opinion.