Fingerings for Modes
Because the seven modes can all be derived from the major scale, it can be confusing when trying to identify fingering patterns for the individual modes. Like the major scale (Ionian mode) all the modes can be found in five basic forms which cover the whole fretboard.
In each fingering pattern it is the positions of the root notes (key notes or tonics) which determine the name of the form. The following diagrams show the E form of C Ionian which is the same as the G form of D Dorian, except for the positions of the root notes.
E Form of C
G Form of D Dorian
The E form of C Ionian is also the same as the A form of E Phrygian, except for the positions of the root notes. Work out the equivalent patterns for all the other modes and then find the other four forms for each one.
E Form of C
A Form of E
It is also important to be able to play parallel modes in the same position. The following diagrams illustrate the C Form open position fingering for both C Lydian and C Aeolian.
C Form of C
C Form of C
A great way to become familiar with all of the mode formulas is to play them all starting from the same note. The following example demonstrates all seven modes starting and finishing on the note C.
Once you know them in this key, try starting on each different note of the chromatic scale and playing all seven modes. This will take quite some time to master, but by the time you can do it you will be much more confident in your knowledge of modes.
Once you know a mode in a new key, you should begin improvising with it in that key. This next example shows a line created from the E Lydian mode.
