Anyone who aspires to be a lead guitarist will eventually want to learn guitar scales and the modes. Using the modes offers so many more opportunities with lead guitar, but a lot of players often overlook it. It's important to understand these are not the pentatonic or blues scales. Once you learn the pentatonic scales you can simply add two notes to create the seven modes of the major scale. The point is; if you can learn how to add a few notes to the pentatonic scales and play with your pinky you're going to be able to play diverse and impressive sounding solos. One of the best modes to learn is the Mixolydian Mode.
The Mixolydian Mode can be used with any of the 12 keys. Since the Mixolydian Mode is in reality a different way of playing the major scale, knowing it as well as the major scale, essentially doubles the number of scales that you have at your disposal. When you learn guitar scales, you learn that a scale is a set of seven notes that is defined by the root note. Now, for less than advanced guitar players, this means the note that you first play and the note that you last play when you play the scale. This note should also somehow be emphasized, such as by bending it or sustaining it for longer than the other notes that you hit for your lead break or solo.
A mode is more than just the first and last note of the scale. A mode contains a distinct set of notes defined by their distance from the root note. This actually defines the mode's feel and sound. Regardless of the key, these notes will be seperated by the same intervals or steps.
The Mixolydian Mode is defined by these intervals: Root, major 2nd, major 3rd, major 4th, major 5th, major 6th, and flatted 7th. So, if this mode gets played in the key of C, the notes, in order, are: G, A, B, C, D, E, and F. As you may know already, if this were actually the G major scale, then the F would be sharpened. Therefore, by playing the C major scale emphasising the G you are thus actually playing the Mixolydian Mode, which will give a very different sonic feel to the music, by way of flattening the seventh interval.
The "key" describes the central note or tone around which a piece of music is based. The mixolydian mode can be used to solo over the G major chords in the key of C or its relative minor : A minor. The mode can also be used to solo where G is the key in itself.
The Mixolydian Mode is applied to many different styles or genres of music. This mode is often used in rock music to give a solo a melodic, powerful, and bright feel. As an example; Slash of Guns n Roses used this mode for his first two solos in "Sweet Child O Mine". You will also find this mode extensively used in Jazz guitar.
When you learn guitar scales, don't forget your modes. Learn the Mixolydian Mode.
The Mixolydian Mode can be used with any of the 12 keys. Since the Mixolydian Mode is in reality a different way of playing the major scale, knowing it as well as the major scale, essentially doubles the number of scales that you have at your disposal. When you learn guitar scales, you learn that a scale is a set of seven notes that is defined by the root note. Now, for less than advanced guitar players, this means the note that you first play and the note that you last play when you play the scale. This note should also somehow be emphasized, such as by bending it or sustaining it for longer than the other notes that you hit for your lead break or solo.
A mode is more than just the first and last note of the scale. A mode contains a distinct set of notes defined by their distance from the root note. This actually defines the mode's feel and sound. Regardless of the key, these notes will be seperated by the same intervals or steps.
The Mixolydian Mode is defined by these intervals: Root, major 2nd, major 3rd, major 4th, major 5th, major 6th, and flatted 7th. So, if this mode gets played in the key of C, the notes, in order, are: G, A, B, C, D, E, and F. As you may know already, if this were actually the G major scale, then the F would be sharpened. Therefore, by playing the C major scale emphasising the G you are thus actually playing the Mixolydian Mode, which will give a very different sonic feel to the music, by way of flattening the seventh interval.
The "key" describes the central note or tone around which a piece of music is based. The mixolydian mode can be used to solo over the G major chords in the key of C or its relative minor : A minor. The mode can also be used to solo where G is the key in itself.
The Mixolydian Mode is applied to many different styles or genres of music. This mode is often used in rock music to give a solo a melodic, powerful, and bright feel. As an example; Slash of Guns n Roses used this mode for his first two solos in "Sweet Child O Mine". You will also find this mode extensively used in Jazz guitar.
When you learn guitar scales, don't forget your modes. Learn the Mixolydian Mode.
About the Author:
Learn to play your very own awesome sounding guitar solos over the next 7 days and truly amaze your friends and family! ((Even if you are new to soloing)) Click here - Learn Guitar Scales to receive your FREE soloing guide not available anywhere else. This guide will help you master Pentatonic Guitar Scales in no time at all, using the same techniques as professional guitar players use.