Guitar Modes Reference Chart
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1
2Modes
The modes can be confusing for guitar players because we can use them in different
ways. The easiest way for a guitarist to learn the modes is by learning their finger
patterns.
Theoretically each mode starts and ends on the seven different notes of the major scale.
C major is the easiest scale to work with so let's start with it.
The C major scale consists of the notes C D E F G A B C.
These are the names for the seven modes (you might see other names for some modes,
but these are the most popular):
1. Ionian
major scale
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
2. Dorian
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
3. Phrygian
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
4. Lydian
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
5. Mixolydian
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
6. Aeolian
natural minor scale
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
7. Locrian
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
You might be saying, what good is that? It's just the major scale starting on different
notes; that's easy. At first glance it is, but to think in each mode as you play is a
challenge.
Here’s a list of the intervals for each mode:
1. Ionian
major scale
P1 M2 M3 P4 P5 M6 M7 P8
2. Dorian
P1 M2 m3 P4 P5 M6 m7 P8
3. Phrygian
P1 m2 m3 P4 P5 m6 m7 P8
4. Lydian
P1 M2 M3
4 P5 M6 M7 P8
5. Mixolydian
P1 M2 M3 P4 P5 M6 m7 P8
6. Aeolian
natural minor scale
P1 M2 m3 P4 P5 m6 m7 P8
7. Locrian
P1 m2 m3 P4
5 m6 m7 P8
Later you will learn the relationship of the modes to the chords in a key, but for now we
just want to learn the finger patterns.
Finger patterns
You might find other ways of playing the modes than shown in the following diagrams,
but I recommend this way. They are all consistent by starting each mode with the 1st
finger.
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