major & minor scale
TRANSCRIPT
I. Major ModesClick to Learn to Dominate Dominant 7th Chords with the Building Bebop Vol. 2 eBook Today!
The Major Scale and its related 7 modes are some of the most popular musical concepts for
guitarists of all levels, backgrounds and musical tastes. Because of this, they are often the first
scale one studies after they have moved on from the Pentatonic Scales that are usually
taught/studied when we first pick up the guitar and begin to delve into melodic playing. Though
there are several standard fingerings for these modes that most people learn along the way,
there are also some great non-standard fingerings that can really open up the neck of the
guitar and increase our finger dexterity at the same time.
Click on any mode below to learn more about how each one is built and see fingerings for 1
and 2 octave patterns with three finger variations for each one.
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Major Mode Fingerings for Guitar Ionian Dorian Phrygian Lydian Mixolydian Aeolian Locrian
Ionian ModeThe Ionian Mode is the first mode of the Major Scale and it contains 7 notes.These notes are:
Root – M2nd – M3rd – P4th – P5th – M6th – M7thSo, for a C Ionian Mode, these notes would be:
C – D – E – F – G – A – BThere are three different fingerings presented for both the one and two octave Mode. These fingerings start with your index, middle and pinky fingers respectively. Not everyone will find every fingering comfortable or practical, so feel free to experiment with these different fingerings and find one, or two or three, that fit well with your hands.Each fingering is presented on a C Ionian Mode, but make sure to practice these in all 12 keys so that you learn you neck, as well as take these fingerings into every possible spot on the neck.
Learn Jazz Guitar Scales and Scale Patterns with the Matt Warnock Guitar Jazz Scales App.Click on any example to see a larger, printable version of the page.
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Ionian Mode One Octave Fingerings
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Ionian Mode Two Octave FingeringsDorian ModeClick to Learn to Dominate Dominant 7th Chords with the Building Bebop Vol. 2 eBook Today!
The Dorian Mode is the second mode of the Major Scale and it contains 7 notes.
These notes are:
Root – M2nd – m3rd – P4th – P5th – M6th – m7th
So, for a C Dorian Mode, these notes would be:
C – D – Eb – F – G – A – Bb
There are three different fingerings presented for both the one and two octave Mode. These
fingerings start with your index, middle and pinky fingers respectively. Not everyone will find
every fingering comfortable or practical, so feel free to experiment with these different
fingerings and find one, or two or three, that fit well with your hands.
Notice how the Dorian Mode is only one note different than the Mixolydian Mode, we’ve
added a flat 3rd compared to the Mixolydian Mode. Knowing this will not only raise your theory
chops, but it also makes it easier to learn these fingerings on the guitar. Just take any
Mixolydian Mode, lower the 3rd by one fret, and voila, instant Dorian Mode.
Each fingering is presented on a C Dorian Mode, but make sure to practice these in all 12 keys
so that you learn you neck, as well as take these fingerings into every possible spot on the
neck.
Learn Jazz Guitar Scales and Scale Patterns with the Matt Warnock Guitar Jazz Scales App.
Click on any example to see a larger, printable version of the page.
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Dorian Mode One Octave Fingerings
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Dorian Mode Two Octave Fingerings
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Phrygian ModeClick to Learn to Dominate Dominant 7th Chords with the Building Bebop Vol. 2 eBook Today!
The Phrygian Mode is the third mode of the Major Scale and it contains 7 notes.
These notes are:
Root – m2nd – m3rd – P4th – P5th – m6th – m7th
So, for a C Phrygian Mode, these notes would be:
C – Db – Eb – F – G – Ab – Bb
There are three different fingerings presented for both the one and two octave Mode. These
fingerings start with your index, middle and pinky fingers respectively. Not everyone will find
every fingering comfortable or practical, so feel free to experiment with these different
fingerings and find one, or two or three, that fit well with your hands.
Notice how the Phrygian Mode is only one note different than the Aeolian Mode, we’ve added
a flat 2nd compared to the Aeolian Mode. Knowing this will not only raise your theory chops,
but it also makes it easier to learn these fingerings on the guitar. Just take any Aeolian Mode,
lower the 2nd note by one fret, and voila, instant Phrygian Mode.
Each fingering is presented on a C Phrygian Mode, but make sure to practice these in all 12
keys so that you learn you neck, as well as take these fingerings into every possible spot on
the neck.
Learn Jazz Guitar Scales and Scale Patterns with the Matt Warnock Guitar Jazz Scales App.
Click on any example to see a larger, printable version of the page.
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Phrygian Mode One Octave Fingerings
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Phrygian Mode Two Octave Fingerings
Lydian ModeThe Lydian Mode is the fourth mode of the Major Scale and it contains 7 notes.These notes are:
Root – M2nd – M3rd – A4th – P5th – M6th – M7thSo, for a C Lydian Mode, these notes would be:
C – D – E – F# – G – A – BThere are three different fingerings presented for both the one and two octave Mode. These fingerings start with your index, middle and pinky fingers respectively. Not everyone will find every fingering comfortable or practical, so feel free to experiment with these different fingerings and find one, or two or three, that fit well with your hands.Notice how the Lydian Mode is only one note different than the Ionian Mode we’ve added a sharp 4th compared to the Ionian Mode. Knowing this will not only raise your theory chops, but it also makes it easier to learn these fingerings on the guitar. Just take any Ionian Mode, raise the 4th note by one fret, and voila, instant Lydian Mode.Each fingering is presented on a C Lydian Mode, but make sure to practice these in all 12 keys so that you learn you neck, as well as take these fingerings into every possible spot on the neck.Learn Jazz Guitar Scales and Scale Patterns with the Matt Warnock Guitar Jazz Scales App.Click on any example to see a larger, printable version of the page.
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Lydian Mode One Octave Fingerings
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Lydian Mode Two Octave Fingerings
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Mixolydian ModeClick to Learn to Dominate Dominant 7th Chords with the Building Bebop Vol. 2 eBook Today!
The Mixolydian Mode is the fifth mode of the Major Scale and it contains 7 notes.
These notes are:
Root – M2nd – M3rd – P4th – P5th – M6th – m7th
So, for a C Mixolydian Mode, these notes would be:
C – D – E – F – G – A – Bb
There are three different fingerings presented for both the one and two octave Mode. These
fingerings start with your index, middle and pinky fingers respectively. Not everyone will find
every fingering comfortable or practical, so feel free to experiment with these different
fingerings and find one, or two or three, that fit well with your hands.
Notice how the Mixolydian Mode is only one note different than the Ionian Mode, we’ve
added a flat 7th compared to the Ionian Mode. Knowing this will not only raise your theory
chops, but it also makes it easier to learn these fingerings on the guitar. Just take any Ionian
Mode, lower the 7th note by one fret, and voila, instant Mixolydian Mode.
Each fingering is presented on a C Mixolydian Mode, but make sure to practice these in all 12
keys so that you learn you neck, as well as take these fingerings into every possible spot on
the neck.
Learn Jazz Guitar Scales and Scale Patterns with the Matt Warnock Guitar Jazz Scales App.
Click on any example to see a larger, printable version of the page.
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Mixolydian Mode One Octave Fingerings
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Mixolydian Mode Two Octave Fingerings
Aeolian ModeClick to Learn to Dominate Dominant 7th Chords with the Building Bebop Vol. 2 eBook Today!
The Aeolian Mode is the sixth mode of the Major Scale and it contains 7 notes.
These notes are:
Root – M2nd – m3rd – P4th – P5th – m6th – m7th
So, for a C Aeolian Mode, these notes would be:
C – D – Eb – F – G – Ab – Bb
There are three different fingerings presented for both the one and two octave Mode. These
fingerings start with your index, middle and pinky fingers respectively. Not everyone will find
every fingering comfortable or practical, so feel free to experiment with these different
fingerings and find one, or two or three, that fit well with your hands.
Notice how the Aeolian Mode is only one note different than the Dorian Mode, we’ve added a
flat 6th compared to the Dorian Mode. Knowing this will not only raise your theory chops, but it
also makes it easier to learn these fingerings on the guitar. Just take any Dorian Mode, lower
the 6th note by one fret, and voila, instant Aeolian Mode.
Each fingering is presented on a C Aeolian Mode, but make sure to practice these in all 12
keys so that you learn you neck, as well as take these fingerings into every possible spot on
the neck.
Learn Jazz Guitar Scales and Scale Patterns with the Matt Warnock Guitar Jazz Scales App.
Click on any example to see a larger, printable version of the page.
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Aeolian Mode One Octave Fingerings
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Aeolian Mode Two Octave Fingerings
Locrian ModeClick to Learn to Dominate Dominant 7th Chords with the Building Bebop Vol. 2 eBook Today!
The Locrian Mode is the seventh mode of the Major Scale and it contains 7 notes.
These notes are:
Root – m2nd – m3rd – P4th – d5th – m6th – m7th
So, for a C Locrian Mode, these notes would be:
C – Db – Eb – F – Gb – Ab – Bb
There are three different fingerings presented for both the one and two octave Mode. These
fingerings start with your index, middle and pinky fingers respectively. Not everyone will find
every fingering comfortable or practical, so feel free to experiment with these different
fingerings and find one, or two or three, that fit well with your hands.
Notice how the Locrian Mode is only one note different than the Phrygian Mode we’ve added
a flat 5th compared to the Phrygian Mode. Knowing this will not only raise your theory chops,
but it also makes it easier to learn these fingerings on the guitar. Just take any Phrygian Mode,
lower the 5th note by one fret, and voila, instant Locrian Mode.
Each fingering is presented on a C Locrian Mode, but make sure to practice these in all 12
keys so that you learn you neck, as well as take these fingerings into every possible spot on
the neck.
Learn Jazz Guitar Scales and Scale Patterns with the Matt Warnock Guitar Jazz Scales App.
Click on any example to see a larger, printable version of the page.
******
Locrian Mode One Octave Fingerings
Page 2
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Locrian Mode Two Octave Fingerings
II. Melodic Minor ModesThe Melodic Minor Scale and it’s 7 related modes are often shied away from because they have a distinct sound and the fingerings are often more complex than the standard Major Scales orPentatonic Scales.Though the Melodic Minor scale may seem like it’s hard to learn and get into your ears, it may be surprising to know that each mode of the Melodic Minor scale is only one note different than its corresponding mode in the Major Scale. Because of this, we can take any mode in the Major Scale that we already know, lower one note depending on which mode it is, and voila, instant Melodic Minor Mode. This approach is described in detail in the individual mode pages listed below.Click on any mode below to learn more about how each one is built and see fingerings for 1 and 2 octave patterns with three finger variations for each one.
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Melodic Minor Modes Melodic Minor
Dorian b2 Mode
Lydian Augmented
Lydian Dominant
Mixolydian b6
Locrian Natural 9
Altered
Melodic MinorClick to Learn to Dominate Dominant 7th Chords with the Building Bebop Vol. 2 eBook Today!
The Melodic Minor Mode is the first mode of the Melodic Minor Scale and it contains 7 notes.
These notes are:
Root – M2nd – m3rd – P4th – P5th – M6th – M7th
So, for a C Melodic Minor Mode, these notes would be:
C – D – Eb – F – G – A – B
There are three different fingerings presented for both the one and two octave Mode. These
fingerings start with your index, middle and pinky fingers respectively. Not everyone will find
every fingering comfortable or practical, so feel free to experiment with these different
fingerings and find one, or two or three, that fit well with your hands.
Notice how the Melodic Minor Mode is only one note different than the Ionian Mode, we’ve
added a flat 3rd compared to the Ionian Mode. Knowing this will not only raise your theory
chops, but it also makes it easier to learn these fingerings on the guitar. Just take any Ionian
Mode, lower the 3rd by one fret, and voila, instant Melodic Minor Mode.
Each fingering is presented on a C Melodic Minor Mode, but make sure to practice these in all
12 keys so that you learn you neck, as well as take these fingerings into every possible spot on
the neck. Click on any example to see a larger, printable version of the page.
Learn Jazz Guitar Scales and Scale Patterns with the Matt Warnock Guitar Jazz Scales App.
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Melodic Minor Mode One Octave Fingerings
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Melodic Minor Mode Two Octave Fingerings
Dorian b2 ModeClick to Learn to Dominate Dominant 7th Chords with the Building Bebop Vol. 2 eBook Today!
The Dorian b2 Mode is the second mode of the Melodic Minor Scale and it contains 7 notes.
These notes are:
Root – m2nd – m3rd – P4th – P5th – M6th – m7th
So, for a C Dorian b2 Mode, these notes would be:
C – Db – Eb – F – G – A – Bb
There are three different fingerings presented for both the one and two octave Mode. These
fingerings start with your index, middle and pinky fingers respectively. Not everyone will find
every fingering comfortable or practical, so feel free to experiment with these different
fingerings and find one, or two or three, that fit well with your hands.
Notice how the Dorian b2 Mode is only one note different than the Dorian Mode, we’ve added
a flat 2nd compared to the Dorian Mode. Knowing this will not only raise your theory chops, but
it also makes it easier to learn these fingerings on the guitar. Just take any Dorian Mode, lower
the 2nd by one fret, and voila, instant Dorian b2 Mode.
Each fingering is presented on a C Dorian b2 Mode, but make sure to practice these in all 12
keys so that you learn you neck, as well as take these fingerings into every possible spot on
the neck.
Learn Jazz Guitar Scales and Scale Patterns with the Matt Warnock Guitar Jazz Scales App.
Click on any example to see a larger, printable version of the page.
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Dorian b2 Mode One Octave Fingerings
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Dorian b2 Mode Two Octave Fingerings
Lydian Augmented ModeThe Lydian Augmented Mode is the third mode of the Melodic Minor Scale and it contains 7 notes.These notes are:
Root – M2nd – M3rd – A4th – A5th – M6th – M7thSo, for a C Lydian Augmented Mode, these notes would be:
C – D – E – F# – G# – A – BThere are three different fingerings presented for both the one and two octave Mode. These fingerings start with your index, middle and pinky fingers respectively. Not everyone will find every fingering comfortable or practical, so feel free to experiment with these different fingerings and find one, or two or three, that fit well with your hands.Notice how the Lydian Augmented Mode is only one note different than the Phrygian Mode, we’ve added a flat Root compared to the Phrygian Mode. Knowing this will not only raise your theory chops, but it also makes it easier to learn these fingerings on the guitar. Just take any Phrygian Mode, lower the 1st note by one fret, and voila, instant Lydian Augmented Mode.Each fingering is presented on a B (Cb) Lydian Augmented Mode, but make sure to practice these in all 12 keys so that you learn you neck, as well as take these fingerings into every possible spot on the neck.Learn Jazz Guitar Scales and Scale Patterns with the Matt Warnock Guitar Jazz Scales App.Click on any example to see a larger, printable version of the page.
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Lydian Augmented Mode One Octave Fingerings
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Lydian Augmented Mode Two Octave Fingerings
Lydian Dominant ModeClick to Learn to Dominate Dominant 7th Chords with the Building Bebop Vol. 2 eBook Today!
The Lydian Dominant Mode is the fourth mode of the Melodic Minor Scale and it contains 7
notes.
These notes are:
Root – M2nd – M3rd – A4th – P5th – M6th – m7th
So, for a C Lydian Dominant Mode, these notes would be:
C – D – E – F# – G – A – Bb
There are three different fingerings presented for both the one and two octave Mode. These
fingerings start with your index, middle and pinky fingers respectively. Not everyone will find
every fingering comfortable or practical, so feel free to experiment with these different
fingerings and find one, or two or three, that fit well with your hands.
Notice how the Lydian Dominant Mode is only one note different than the Lydian Mode we’ve
added a flat 7th compared to the Lydian Mode. Knowing this will not only raise your theory
chops, but it also makes it easier to learn these fingerings on the guitar. Just take any Lydian
Mode, lower the 7th note by one fret, and voila, instant Lydian Dominant Mode.
Each fingering is presented on a C Lydian Dominant Mode, but make sure to practice these in
all 12 keys so that you learn you neck, as well as take these fingerings into every possible spot
on the neck.
Learn Jazz Guitar Scales and Scale Patterns with the Matt Warnock Guitar Jazz Scales App.
Click on any example to see a larger, printable version of the page.
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Lydian Dominant Mode One Octave Fingerings
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Lydian Dominant Mode Two Octave Fingerings
Mixolydian b6 ModeThe Mixolydian b6 Mode is the fifth mode of the Melodic Minor Scale and it contains 7 notes.These notes are:
Root – M2nd – M3rd – P4th – P5th – m6th – m7thSo, for a C Mixolydian b6 Mode, these notes would be:
C – D – E – F – G – Ab – BbThere are three different fingerings presented for both the one and two octave Mode. These fingerings start with your index, middle and pinky fingers respectively. Not everyone will find every fingering comfortable or practical, so feel free to experiment with these different fingerings and find one, or two or three, that fit well with your hands.Notice how the Mixolydian b6 Mode is only one note different than the Mixolydian Mode, we’ve added a flat 6th compared to the Mixolydian Mode. Knowing this will not only raise your theory chops, but it also makes it easier to learn these fingerings on the guitar. Just take any Mixolydian Mode, lower the 6th note by one fret, and voila, instant Mixolydian b6 Mode.Each fingering is presented on a C Mixolydian b6 Mode, but make sure to practice these in all 12 keys so that you learn you neck, as well as take these fingerings into every possible spot on the neck.Learn Jazz Guitar Scales and Scale Patterns with the Matt Warnock Guitar Jazz Scales App.Click on any example to see a larger, printable version of the page.
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Mixolydian b6 Mode One Octave Fingerings
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Mixolydian b6 Mode Two Octave Fingerings
Locrian Natural 9 ModeClick to Learn to Dominate Dominant 7th Chords with the Building Bebop Vol. 2 eBook Today!
The Locrian Natural 9 Mode is the sixth mode of the Melodic Minor Scale and it contains 7
notes.
These notes are:
Root – M2nd – m3rd – P4th – D5th – m6th – m7th
So, for a C Locrian Natural 9 Mode, these notes would be:
C – D – Eb – F – Gb – Ab – Bb
There are three different fingerings presented for both the one and two octave Mode. These
fingerings start with your index, middle and pinky fingers respectively. Not everyone will find
every fingering comfortable or practical, so feel free to experiment with these different
fingerings and find one, or two or three, that fit well with your hands.
Notice how the Locrian Natural 9 Mode is only one note different than the Aeolian Mode,
we’ve added a flat 5th compared to the Aeolian Mode. Knowing this will not only raise your
theory chops, but it also makes it easier to learn these fingerings on the guitar. Just take any
Aeolian Mode, lower the 5th note by one fret, and voila, instant Locrian Natural 9 Mode.
Each fingering is presented on a C Locrian Natural 9 Mode, but make sure to practice these in
all 12 keys so that you learn you neck, as well as take these fingerings into every possible spot
on the neck.
Learn Jazz Guitar Scales and Scale Patterns with the Matt Warnock Guitar Jazz Scales App.
Click on any example to see a larger, printable version of the page.
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Locrian Natural 9 Mode One Octave Fingerings
Page 2
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Locrian Natural 9 Mode Two Octave Fingerings
Altered ScaleClick to Learn to Dominate Dominant 7th Chords with the Building Bebop Vol. 2 eBook Today!
The Altered Mode is the seventh mode of the Melodic Minor Scale and it contains 7 notes.
These notes are:
Root – m2nd – m3rd – M3rd – D5th – m6th – m7th
So, for a C Altered Mode, these notes would be:
C – Db – Eb – E – Gb – Ab – Bb
There are three different fingerings presented for both the one and two octave Mode. These
fingerings start with your index, middle and pinky fingers respectively. Not everyone will find
every fingering comfortable or practical, so feel free to experiment with these different
fingerings and find one, or two or three, that fit well with your hands.
Notice how the Altered Mode is only one note different than the Locrian Mode we’ve added a
flat 4th compared to the Locrian Mode. Knowing this will not only raise your theory chops, but it
also makes it easier to learn these fingerings on the guitar. Just take any Locrian Mode, lower
the 4th note by one fret, and voila, instant Altered Mode.
Each fingering is presented on a C Altered Mode, but make sure to practice these in all 12
keys so that you learn you neck, as well as take these fingerings into every possible spot on
the neck.
Learn Jazz Guitar Scales and Scale Patterns with the Matt Warnock Guitar Jazz Scales App.
Click on any example to see a larger, printable version of the page.
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Altered Mode One Octave Fingerings
Page 2
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Altered Mode Two Octave Fingerings
