Jake Lizzio

5 Ways The Modes ACTUALLY Get Used!

Added 2023-01-18 17:17:48 +0000 UTC

Hey everyone! Here's a lesson that should give you some examples of how you'll actually see and hear the modes being used in popular music. This list of ideas comes from the Modal Harmony chapter in my upcoming book, in which we explore each mode individually to see how it can play with others.

I left this info out of the video, as it's partially beyond the scope, but its still helpful to know- The major-based modes (modes with a major 3rd in them) like Lydian, Ionian, and Mixolydian are commonly blended as shown in this lesson. Also, the minor-modes (Dorian, Phrygian, and Minor) are also mixed together.

However, it's not so common to compose in minor, and then borrow from major modes. This is because the minor 3rd in a key is pretty delicate, and introducing major 3rds can easily spoil the minor sound. The one time we do this is with a picardy third, making the change in 3rd so blatant and obvious that it sounds intentional. In other spots though, borrowing chords with the major 3rd can present some ugly sounds, and should be approached with common. The reverse though is quite popular- writing in major but then borrowing chords with a b3 in them creates a wonderfully dramatic sound. The changing of the 3rds creates a real sense of wonder and interest.

Hope you enjoy this one =)