Modes Essential for Jazz, Rock, and Fusion Players

Mode chart by Walt Ribeiro at waltribeiro.net.

I spend a fair amount of time with my students on modes. Modes are a system of seven scales dating back to the mathematician Pythagoras of ancient Greece. The modes are named Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Locrian and Ionian.

The modal system was in use before our present major and minor key system was invented. It was characteristic of Gregorian chant.

Each mode is a unique combination of notes and related chords that form a “tonality” or a musical effect. The modes are used heavily in jazz, rock, and fusion music.

The modal period in jazz was ushered in by Miles Davis. In rock, Santana was noted for his use of the Dorian and Aeolian modes, while Jerry Garcia favored the Mixolydian mode.

The characteristic of a mode is a sense of floating or wandering without the resolution or settling typical of key-based music. The modes offer an outstanding resource with which musicians can write and/or improvise. For a thorough treatment and explanation of modes, see “Mastering the Modes.” It’s available in a hard-copy or PDF version.