ALL the rules applied to the three minor modes work in the exact same way for the following major modes. We'll begin by playing through three major scales over one major chord, and then we'll have a look at confining the scales to one position (revolving around the root). So let's get to it!
Major Modes
The three major modes are Ionian, Lydian and Mixolydian
As before, have a look at the following scales: A major, then E major and then D major.
And now, here's the mode break-down:
- Playing an A Major Scale over an A Major Chord will produce Ionian
- Playing an E Major Scale over an A Major Chord will produce Lydian
- Playing a D Major Scale over an A Major Chord will produce Mixolydian
In a nutshell
- Play a major scale from the root of the chord and you get Ionian.
- Play a major scale from the fifth of the root of the chord and you get Lydian (one string down, two frets up)
- Play a major scale from the fourth of the root of the chord and you get Mixolydian (down one string, same fret)
Confine the mode to root position
- An A Major Scale, starting from A (A B C# D E F# G# A)
- An E Major Scale, starting from A (A B C# D# E F# G# A)
- A D Major Scale, starting from A (A B C# D E F# G A)
That's all for this tutorial, folks! I hope I opened your mind to a simpler way to examine the bulk of mode mysteries in achieving some new melodic approaches. Until next time... Keep shreddin'!