High Country Guitar

Mode Workshop
Quick Links

Mode Study Pages
Ionian
Dorian
Phrygian
Lydian
Mixolydian
Aeolian
Locrian

This page is supposed to be viewed with a frame to your right. If you don't see it, click here.

The ionian mode is the first of the modes, and is the exact same thing as a major scale. It sounds great over major-key chord progressions.
What's in it: The ionian mode IS the major scale. There are no sharped or flatted notes within the scale. Listen to a C major scale This makes it the perfect mode to play over major-key chord progressions.	When to use it: Over major and major7 chords. When the chord progression contains lots of I major, IV major, and V major chords (but NOT dominant 7th chords like C7, A7).

Hear it and play it!

Blue Sky
(The Allman Brothers)

Initial chord progression for solo section:
E / E / A / A

(click mode names above to view fingerings in window to right)

Harry Hood
(Phish)

Initial chord progression for solo section:
D / A / G / G

(click mode names above to view fingerings in window to right)