How To Really Understand Modes On Guitar - Modal Chord Progressions

by Simon Candy

In this video, you learn how to write modal chord progressions on guitar. The chords and progressions determine the mode you are playing, not the notes in and of themselves.

People always get this wrong and is why modes can be so confusing.

In this lesson, we will look at the chords in each mode of the major scale.

You learn how the chords work differently in modal harmony as compared to tonal harmony, and how to choose the very best chords from the key to express the mode you are playing.

You learn the importance of:

1. Tonic Chord
2. Cadential Chords
3. Characteristic Chords

Understanding the roles of each of the chord types above is crucial in writing great modal chord progressions.

You will see each of these in action in the Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, and Mixolydian modes.

Modes begin with progressions, so start here to understand what modes are about and how you can use them in your own guitar playing.

Watch the video below to learn more:

D Dorian:

Here is a chord progression in D Dorian, the second mode of C Major: (watch the video above for a detailed breakdown of how to write chord progressions in D Dorian)

E Phrygian:

Here is a chord progression in E Phrygian, the third mode of C Major: (watch the video above for a detailed breakdown of how to write chord progressions in E Phrygian)

F Lydian:

Here is a chord progression in F Lydian, the fourth mode of C Major: (watch the video above for a detailed breakdown of how to write chord progressions in F Lydian)

G Mixolydian:

Here is a chord progression in G Mixolydian, the fifth mode of C Major: (watch the video above for a detailed breakdown of how to write chord progressions in G Mixolydian)

Learn these awesome chords for your acoustic guitar playing