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Learn to play guitar modes

[C major modes] [ C Ionian ] [ Dorian mode ] [ Phrygian mode ] [ Lydian mode ] [ Mixolydian Mode ] [ Aeolian mode ] [ Locrian mode ]

[ Basic major scale fingerings ] [ F major modes ] [ G Modes ] [ Constructing Scales ] [ Key Signatures and constructing major scales ] [ Modulation, cadence, progressions ]

Locrian mode

So far we have covered the C Major or Ionian mode. The Dorian mode or Dm mode and the E Phrygian or Em mode, the F Lydian mode, the G Mixolydian Mode and the A Aeolian mode. Now we will learn Locrian mode. The notes of the Locrian mode are shown below. B C D E F G A B Try to memorize all the notes in the B diminished chord. Also, try to memorize all the notes that make up each chord. Remember, each section to the left has the notes of each chord in the key of C major. The B diminished chord has the notes of B, D and F.

This is the Locrian mode. It is played from B to B in the key of C Major. This is the last mode we have to learn in the Major key. B Locrian is the diminished mode. Look at the image below. This fingering pattern should be very familiar to you. You should notice the A minor pentatonic, the A Aeolian and the C Ionian in the pattern below. 

The B notes are highlighted from B to B. This pattern is played from the Low E string 7th fret 3 finger, to the high E string 7th fret 3 finger. Remember all of the modes in the key of C major have the same notes. C, D, E, F, G, A, B and C.

Look at the image below. This illustration has a different fingering pattern, but the same notes. Remember you can play all of these modes at different locations. Eventually you will have every note on the fretboard memorized and play every mode without even thinking about it.

Look at the image above and notice the C Ionian mode in there too. You should remember the Ionian mode in the key of C major is played from C to C.

Look at the image below and notice the fingering for this B Locrian mode. The B notes have been highlighted and the fingering pattern illustrated. You would start this mode off with the Low E string 7th fret 1 finger. Move through all the strings to the high E string, playing from B to B. Try to come up with some other places to play all of these modes. 

The Locrian mode is the only odd ball mode. It is a diminished mode, the other modes are either major or minor. This can be a very dark mode.

We have now covered every mode of the key of C major. There has been an enormous amount of information presented to you. As you study these modes, remember you can play them at different locations. You can play the A Aeolian mode starting at the 5th fret, but you can also play this mode starting at any A note on the fretboard. The same holds true for all of the modes. Learn the modes and also learn the relative minor and major scales to each scale.

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Good luck,

Guitar Secrets