The modes are dangerous black magic!

#201
mambo4 said:
since I've been called out

It's true that I used to discourage beginners wasting too much time on modes
Especially if they haven't yet learned how chords and harmonizing the major scale works (see link in my sig)
The question "If the notes are the same, why think about modes at all?" is an important one to find an answer for.

But, when I catch myself arguing for ignorance, I recall Anthony Wellington's words
"Knowing something is better than not knowing something"

So these days I say learn your modes, but don't pretzel your brain over their application.
There is plenty of application to be found in the Major scale itself. Modes are just a facet of it.
Click to expand...

Yes, knowing Modes, is not(!) a bad thing.

Let's say, when one encounters the Emin7 chord in some chord progression, that knowledge of Harmony (which includes Modes also) provides the musician with some extra notes - is it E natural minor, is it E Dorian, is it E Phrygian, etc...
 
#202
Whousedtoplay said:
Yes, knowing Modes, is not(!) a bad thing.

Let's say, when one encounters the Emin7 chord in some chord progression, that knowledge of Harmony (which includes Modes also) provides the musician with some extra notes - is it E natural minor, is it E Dorian, is it E Phrygian, etc...
Click to expand...

It also avoids from hearing the same pentatonic lines or root, fith, octave "basslines" often heard
 
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#203
ninefingerbass said:
It also avoids from hearing the same pentatonic lines or root, fith, octave "basslines" often heard
Click to expand...

Plus, there are some other modes to consider.

From here:
Modes Of The Harmonic Minor Scale
Harmonic Minor (i)
Locrian #6 (ii°)
Ionian #5 (III)
Dorian #4 (iv)
Phrygian Dominant (V)
Lydian #2 (VI)
Ultralocrian (vii°)


Modes Of The Harmonic Minor Scale - TalkingBass

Modes Of The Melodic Minor Scale

Melodic Minor (i)
Dorian b2 (ii)
Lydian #5 (III)
Lydian Dominant (IV)
Mixolydian b6 (V)
Semilocrian (vi°)
Superlocrian (vii°)


Modes Of The Melodic Minor Scale - TalkingBass
 
#206
ninefingerbass said:
...Then I purchased a book about all the scales and its modes. It's red and has a bunch of scales, their modes and fingering chart in all 12 keys. Greatest purchase ever. At that point, my bass, loop station and this book went with me everywhere. Everything made sense to me, just like you but if you are looking to get it on command, then I recommend this book.
Click to expand...

What's the Title/author of this book? I'd like to check it out.
 
#207
It's called the Bass Grimoire by Adam Kadmon. It's really an amazing book and you can purchase it on Amazon. It tells you the modes of various scales in all keys.
 

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#209
John Metta said:
Thank you! With a title and a cover like that, it just proves that modes are Black Magic! I feel like I need to read that wearing a cloak. :D
Click to expand...


Here's how I used it. I would pick a random key and go through the modes through the entire length of the fretboard. Pick another key and do the same. Practice, practice, and more practice is the key. Then as I get muscle memory, I would use my loop station, create a bass line and comp a chord in any key and improvise from there. It helped me unlock the fretboard in a way I never knew.

You can do the same with Melodic Minor, Harmonic Minor, Major, etc. It has a cornucopia of scales and their modes. The fingering is made for 4 string bass but you can simply adjust it to 5 string and 6 string. Keep in mind, don't just play the modes in a linear fashion, utilize the triads to create more interesting lines. Good Luck!
 
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