Lessons by topic
Scales and Modes Lessons
The seven modes, harmonic minor, pentatonics, and how to actually riff and solo with them.
26 lessons
Playing In Every Mode with ONE Tiny Scale Shape
Instead of learning thousands of scale shapes, learn how to use the ones you already have! This lesson demonstrates how the minor pentatonic shape can be used to play in all 7 modes by simply changing your root note.
Demonstrating All 7 Modes in Parallel
Building the modes in parallel (starting from the same root) allows you to see and hear the differences. Learn each mode's unique identity so you can easily identify it when you hear it and use it effectively in your own music.
Using Modal Mixture for Dreamy and Epic Lead Guitar
Modal mixture lets you swap between parallel major and minor scales over the same chord progression. Learn how to layer A major and A minor over an E / A minor vamp for dreamy, epic lead lines.
How to Improvise Solos in Mixolydian Mode
A step-by-step guide to improvising guitar solos using Mixolydian. Learn the scale shape, add hammer-ons and slides, accent chord tones, and use the Mixolydian pentatonic for a unique flavor.
Writing Exotic Music with Phrygian Dominant - 5th Mode of Harmonic Minor
Master Phrygian Dominant, the exotic-sounding fifth mode of harmonic minor. Learn how to write music with a Spanish, Middle Eastern, or metal flavor.
Phrygian: Understanding and Using the Third Mode of Major
Phrygian has a uniquely dark and exotic feel thanks to its flat 2nd scale degree. Learn how the scale is built, its characteristic chords, and several ways to compose your own music using the Phrygian mode.
How to Sound Like Daft Punk, Tool, or Every Rock Band
Three different styles from funk to metal to acoustic rock using Minor/Aeolian. Part 6 of the Riffing with Modes series.
Learn the Lydian Scale: How to Write, Riff, and Solo in the 4th Mode
Lydian has a spacey, dreamy, and progressive feel. Learn how to build the scale, focus on the tonal center, write Lydian riffs and chord progressions, and extract the most important notes for soloing.
Exploring the Modes of Harmonic Minor
A deep dive into all seven modes of harmonic minor. Learn how each mode sounds, when to use them, and how they differ from the modes of major.
Writing Chord Progressions in Harmonic Minor
Discover the unique chords available in harmonic minor and learn how to write compelling chord progressions using this powerful scale.
How to Make a Classic Rock Hit 35 Years Late
A mini documentary on creating an 80s rock/metal track using Mixolydian. Part 5 of the Riffing with Modes series.
Dorian Scale: The 2nd Mode of Major
Learn the basics of the Dorian mode - how it's built, how it relates to major and minor, and how to build its chords. Explore the classic i-IV sound and see how different artists use Dorian in their music.
Lydian + 7/4 = Writing Dreamy Instrumental Prog Rock
Learn how to exploit Lydian's properties to create dreamy prog rock riffs and sections. Part 4 of the Riffing with Modes series.
Writing Powerful Dorian Dad Rock in 6/8
Dorian is capable of way more than just jazz and funk - learn how to use it for rock arrangements. Part 2 of the Riffing with Modes series.
Writing Morse Code Math Metal in Phrygian
Phrygian is ripe ground for growing dark, doomy, and chaotic metal riffs. Part 3 of the Riffing with Modes series.
Getting Started with Harmonic Minor - Leads and Jamming
An introduction to the harmonic minor scale. Learn how to play leads and jam using this exotic-sounding scale that adds tension and drama to your playing.
Making Music with Pascal's Triangle + The Locrian Scale
The seventh and final episode - using algorithmic sequences to create music with the most challenging mode. Part 7 of the Riffing with Modes series.
7 Ways Musicians ACTUALLY Use Modes
Discover practical applications for musical modes beyond just scales. Learn how to write modal music, break modal structures, use relative modulation, and more.
Pentatonic Possibilities: Major or Minor for Your Solo?
Compare major vs minor pentatonic scales across different chord progressions and keys. Learn when to use each scale and why the results might surprise you.
Relative Modes: How C Major and A Minor are Same but Different
Discover how the tonal center transforms the emotional quality of the same set of notes. This video demonstrates all 7 relative modes of the major scale and how simply changing the tonal center creates modal harmony.
Riffing With Modes #1: Writing with Major/Ionian
Writing with Major/Ionian in a Rock/Prog style. This is the first of a seven part series on how to write riffs using each mode of the major scale.
The BEST Way to Learn Scales: Composing with Bebop Dominant
Discover an effective approach to learning scales by composing real music. This lesson demonstrates the Bebop Dominant scale and shows how to turn scale practice into songwriting.
Let's Write NEOCLASSICAL and RAP Music with Harmonic Minor
A hands-on songwriting session using harmonic minor. Watch as we compose original music in neoclassical and rap styles using this versatile scale.
Modal Mixture and Mixolydian b6 Jam + Practice Track
A guitar backing track for practicing modal mixture in E. Two chords (E major to A minor) at moderate tempo, designed for swapping between parallel major and minor scales over the same vamp.
How Borrowed Chords & Modal Mixture Work in Minor Keys
You aren't limited to seven notes when writing in minor. Learn how the minor scale morphs into harmonic minor, Dorian, and Phrygian, and how to borrow their chords.
Exploring Modal Mixture Part 1 - Major Keys
Learn how to write modal mixture chord progressions, and which scales to use on top of them, to create stunning music with dramatic shifts.