In this week’s Audio Premium content, Ryan Leach gives us an in-depth music theory tutorial, explaining what modes are and how to use them.

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“The standard major and minor scales have been the source of millions of beautiful melodies, and will continue to be so for millions more. But after years of listening to music based on the same old scales, how can you break away from convention but still keep your music grounded on planet Earth? A great way to start exploring interesting and new sounding melodies and harmonies is to use modes. Modes are scales that use the same pitches of the standard major scale but in new and different ways. Because of one or two discrepancies from the typical major or minor scale, a mode can sound fresh, intriguing, and grab your listener’s attention as something new.

As we’ll see in the examples throughout, the seven basic modes can be used in countless different styles for many wonderful effects. Where else will you possibly find a tutorial in which you learn something from Miles Davis, The Beatles, Ravel, Metallica, and Shostakovich all in the same lesson?

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing to Premium and you’d like to learn music theory, this tutorial would be a great reason to do it. It’s the best explanation of modes I have ever seen. Each section features clear explanation, multiple audio and video examples, and some great ideas of how each mode can be used. Sign up for Premium today! At $19 a month it’s great value, and there is a money-back guarantee if you disagree. And we certainly appreciate your support!

Table of Contents

• How to Derive the Modes
• Ionian
• Dorian
• Phrygian
• Mixolydian
• Aeolian
• Locrian
• Borrowing Elements from the Modes
• Conclusion

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