
Modes Over Chords
- Minor Seventh Chord If we use Cmin7, the chord tones are C-E♭-G-B♭, and the tensions are D-F-A. Those notes, C-D-E♭-F-G-A-B♭, make up C Dorian. ...
- Dominant Seventh Chord If we use C7, the chord tones are C-E-G-B♭, and the tensions are D-F#-A (2-#4-6). ...
- Half-Diminished Seventh Chord If we use Cmin7 (♭5), the chord tones are C-E♭-G♭-B♭, and the tensions are D-F-A♭ (2-4-♭6). ...
Full Answer
What are the different modes of playing on guitar?
Each mode is able to play over a specific set of chords. If the chord is dominant, like a G7 or G9, you’d want to play the Mixolydian mode. If it is a minor chord, you can play the dorian, phrygian, or aeolian mode. As the chords get more complex, the mode choices go down.
What Chord mode should I play over a chord?
Each mode is able to play over a specific set of chords. If the chord is dominant, like a G7 or G9, you’d want to play the Mixolydian mode. If it is a minor chord, you can play the dorian, phrygian, or aeolian mode. As the chords get more complex, the mode choices go down. Use the chart below to select the best mode for each chord.
What scales should I play over each chord?
Take a look at scales that can be used over each chord. Since you are playing major chords without extensions, you can imply an extension from the scale. You may use a G note over the A Major chord or C note of D Major chord for a Dominant/Mixolydian sound. Using Pentatonics over each chord (E major pentatnoic over E chord) can give you variety.
How can i Improve my chord progressions?
As the chord changes, you change the notes that you play. Arpeggio patterns are a great way to learn the chord tones. Once you have a scale, mode, or chord arpeggio to use, there are a lot of techniques that you could use. Emphasize the root note of the current chord. For modes, try playing every other note.

Which modes to play over which chords?
The rule is to use Major pentatonic scales over major chords and minor pentatonic scales over minor chords. This works well for most chords.
What chords can you play mixolydian over?
Mixolydian is used extensively when improvising over the 12 bar blues, other I-IV-V chord progressions, and more generally chord progressions featuring dominant seventh chords.
How do chords work in modes?
Modal chord progressions use the same harmonic structure as their parent major scale. Each mode has its own tonic chord rooted on its related degree of the parent scale. Chord progressions can be built around each mode to reaffirm their tonic or "home".
What chords do you play in phrygian over?
Phrygian Chords are simply sus♭9 chords. They are derived from either the: Phrygian mode (3rd mode of Major Scale); or. Dorian ♭2 mode (2nd mode of the melodic minor scale).
What scale did Eddie Van Halen play?
FIGURE 1 shows the EVH scale in E. You can hear Ed play this scale in the key of E on many Van Halen songs, including “I'm the One,” “On Fire” and “Ice Cream Man,” all from the band's 1978 self-titled debut.
What are the chords in D Dorian?
So, for example, in D Dorian, the chords Dm, Em, F, G, Am, Bdim and C will work well together.
What key is D Dorian in?
C majorAnd What Is The Dorian Mode? The Dorian mode is, in its purest form, the white notes from D-D. This means that a D Dorian scale is D, E, F, G, A, B, C. Obviously, this is the enharmonic equivalent of C major, so the notes are exactly the same; it's the way you use the scale that changes things.
Can you make chords from modes?
For instance, you can play low E on every four beats, and then play around with the notes of an E mode, such as E Mixolydian. For a broader application, you can play a vamp. A modal vamp will return to the tonic chord often....Understanding Modal Harmony: Building Chords from Modes.ModeCharacteristic PitchPhrygian Mode♭2Lydian ModeAugmented 4thMixolydian Mode♭71 more row
What chords are in Locrian mode?
Modern Locrian The Locrian mode has the formula: 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, ♭5, ♭6, ♭7. Its tonic chord is a diminished triad (Bdim in the Locrian mode of the diatonic scale corresponding to C major). This mode's diminished fifth and the Lydian mode's augmented fourth are the only modes to have a tritone above the tonic.
When should I play Phrygian mode?
E Phrygian can be used when the rhythm stays on an Em, or when the chords all come from the key of C but keep E as the tonic. Remember, if the progression has a chord outside the key of C, you may have to change scales in the middle of the solo to accommodate the changing harmony.
What is a mixolydian chord progression?
The A Mixolydian scale is similar to the A Major scale except that its 7th note (G) is a half step lower. Mixolydian chord progressions are heavily featured in many genres of music like classic rock, which relies on the major chord built on the 7th scale degree.
What chords are in C Phrygian?
C Phrygian ModeC Phrygian is the third mode of the Ab major scale.C Phrygian Scale Notes: C Db Eb F G Ab Bb.Phrygian Scale Formula: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7.Phrygian Scale Intervals: H W W W H W W.
Is mixolydian major or minor?
majorThe Mixolydian mode, as you know, is basically our major scale starting on the fifth degree. Therefore, it has a sense of major scale feel with minor intervals. When we make music based on the Western standard note system it amounts to a juxtaposition of all the Greek modes and can be so analysed.
How do you play Mixolydian mode?
3:5223:39How To Use The Mixolydian Mode - Playing With Modes #1 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're gonna work in the key of G. So in G mixolydian. The blueprint is a series of notes intervals.MoreWe're gonna work in the key of G. So in G mixolydian. The blueprint is a series of notes intervals. Made of a root. That's the one that's the with a basis playing here right the bass is ripping that G
Is a major the same as E mixolydian?
The E Mixolydian is a mode of the A Major Scale. It contains exactly the same notes, but starts on another note. The E Mixolydian is the same as the E Major apart from one note, the seventh in the scale. Mixolydian can also be described as a Dominant mode.
What is a mixolydian progression?
2:0933:09All About the Mixolydian Mode - Chord Progressions, Melodies ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the mixolydian characteristic chord combination is a major chord followed by another major chordMoreSo the mixolydian characteristic chord combination is a major chord followed by another major chord that is one whole step lower than it so when you see those two chords in combination in your mind
What is a mode on guitar?
Modes are made for soloing over chords. Each mode is able to play over a specific set of chords. If the chord is dominant, like a G7 or G9, you’d want to play the Mixolydian mode. If it is a minor chord, you can play the dorian, phrygian, or aeolian mode. As the chords get more complex, the mode choices go down.
How to lead into the next chord?
Emphasize the root note of the current chord. For modes, try playing every other note. This should map to the chord tones. Try to voice lead into the next chord. Before the next chord, play a note that is a half step or a whole step away from the next chord’s root. This will help lead into the next chord.
How to use scales in music?
Approach to Using Scales 1 Emphasize the root note of the current chord. 2 For modes, try playing every other note. This should map to the chord tones. 3 Try to voice lead into the next chord. Before the next chord, play a note that is a half step or a whole step away from the next chord’s root. This will help lead into the next chord. It takes some practice to master, but it sounds great!
What is soloing in music?
Soloing is mostly about knowing what notes to play. We simplify the process by using scales, modes, and arpeggios. I recommend recording some chord progressions and practicing your improvisation. You can get some chord progression ideas from my chord progressions lesson.
How to select a scale?
Selecting a scale is done by selecting a scale that uses the notes of the key because the chords should also use those notes. Usually, this is the major scale. For example, use the C Major scale for the key of C. You can substitute the major pentatonic scale for the major scale because all its notes are part of the major scale. If you have a minor key, you can use the minor scale or the minor pentatonic scale. For example, use the A minor scale for the key of A minor.
How to solo over a key?
This is done by selecting a scale that works over the entire key and only playing its notes. It really is that simple.
Why do you change positions when you play?
Change positions when you play so you play low notes and high notes. It will add interest to your solos.
Modes over a simple chord progression
Suppose that we have the following chord progression with one measure for each chord:
Subscribe to RSS
To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader.
What notes are used in A major?
Another way to look at it, apart from Bob's as usual, good answer, is to consider that E,D and A are all the major chords found in A major. If you were to solo over a piece in A maj., you'd use A maj. notes. O.k., you'd centre more on A, but probably on, say, E, you'd centre more on E. So the A maj. scale notes will still work, very similarly to how you would play them anyway.If you've learned Amaj. 2 octaves starting on fret 5, 6th string, then those notes in those places are still good.We often think that the first note is most important, and it still probably will be, when the piece arrives at A.
What to do if playback doesn't begin?
If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
Can you use pentatonics over E chords?
Since you are playing major chords without extensions, you can imply an extension from the scale. You may use a G note over the A Major chord or C note of D Major chord for a Dominant/Mixolydian sound. Using Pentatonics over each chord (E major pentatnoic over E chord) can give you variety. Country players with switch scales with the chords in a guitar solo emphasizing chord tones and implying extensions.
What is a mode on guitar?from guitarlessonworld.com
Modes are made for soloing over chords. Each mode is able to play over a specific set of chords. If the chord is dominant, like a G7 or G9, you’d want to play the Mixolydian mode. If it is a minor chord, you can play the dorian, phrygian, or aeolian mode. As the chords get more complex, the mode choices go down.
How to lead into the next chord?from guitarlessonworld.com
Emphasize the root note of the current chord. For modes, try playing every other note. This should map to the chord tones. Try to voice lead into the next chord. Before the next chord, play a note that is a half step or a whole step away from the next chord’s root. This will help lead into the next chord.
How to use scales in music?from guitarlessonworld.com
Approach to Using Scales 1 Emphasize the root note of the current chord. 2 For modes, try playing every other note. This should map to the chord tones. 3 Try to voice lead into the next chord. Before the next chord, play a note that is a half step or a whole step away from the next chord’s root. This will help lead into the next chord. It takes some practice to master, but it sounds great!
How to select a scale?from guitarlessonworld.com
Selecting a scale is done by selecting a scale that uses the notes of the key because the chords should also use those notes. Usually, this is the major scale. For example, use the C Major scale for the key of C. You can substitute the major pentatonic scale for the major scale because all its notes are part of the major scale. If you have a minor key, you can use the minor scale or the minor pentatonic scale. For example, use the A minor scale for the key of A minor.
What is the root note of a chord?from fretjam.com
The root note is 1 , and you'll see it referenced in scale and chord diagrams on this site.
How to solo over a key?from guitarlessonworld.com
This is done by selecting a scale that works over the entire key and only playing its notes. It really is that simple.
What is the key of a guitar solo?from fretjam.com
Step 1 - Finding your key. When soloing over chords, the key of the solo is most often defined by the root note of that chord, which in turn becomes the root note of any scale you might use. This is also called the bass note, as it's most often the lowest note in the chord, and will therefore commonly use the low E, A or D string on your guitar.
What is the relationship between scale and chord?
And that brings us to the chord/scale relationship. All this means is that every scale is an expansion of the three or so notes in a chord. For instance, the A major scale is just more notes added onto to the A major chord. Some other things you may not know about chords too. Adding the B to A major makes it Asus2.
What genres veer out of the key signature?
Nearly all country, rock, blues, and jazz progressions veer out of the confines of key signature and so forth.
Can you use scales that have only two major notes?
You can use scales that have just two of those A major notes!
Is it easier to open tabs in a new link?
It’s easier for you to open the tabs in a new link and check it out there as I talk about these solos briefly.
Is there a right or wrong scale for chords?
There is no right or wrong scale to use with what chords!
Is it easier to understand chords and scales?
So instead of memorizing tons of rules for which scales work with which, it’s easier to understand how chords and scales are formed.

Soloing Over A Key
Soloing Over A Chord
Pentatonic Scales
- It is hard to go wrong with Pentatonic Scales. They limit themselves to 5 notes that work well over many different chords. The rule is to use Major pentatonic scales over major chords and minor pentatonic scales over minor chords. This works well for most chords. All you need to do is switch scales with the chord changes. For example, if the progression was Dm7 – G7 – Cmaj7, y…
Major Scale and Minor Scale
- Similar to soloing over a key, you can use the major and minor scales to solo over chords. The major scale can be used over major chords, and the minor scale can be used over minor chords. Both scales, however are considered modes using the names, Ionian and Aeolian respectively.
Modes
- Modes are made for soloing over chords. Each mode is able to play over a specific set of chords. If the chord is dominant, like a G7 or G9, you’d want to play the Mixolydian mode. If it is a minor chord, you can play the dorian, phrygian, or aeolian mode. As the chords get more complex, the mode choices go down. Use the chart below to select the be...
Chord Tones
- Some guitarists solo using chord tones. As the chord changes, you change the notes that you play. Arpeggio patterns are a great way to learn the chord tones.
Approach to Using Scales
- Once you have a scale, mode, or chord arpeggio to use, there are a lot of techniques that you could use. 1. Emphasize the root note of the current chord. 2. For modes, try playing every other note. This should map to the chord tones. 3. Try to voice lead into the next chord. Before the next chord, play a note that is a half step or a whole step away from the next chord’s root. This will he…
What’s Next?
- Soloing is mostly about knowing what notes to play. We simplify the process by using scales, modes, and arpeggios. I recommend recording some chord progressions and practicing your improvisation. You can get some chord progression ideas from my chord progressions lesson.