A world of musical expression lives under the tips of your fingers when you pick up a guitar. Among the tools to unlock that world are modal scales and the CAGED system, which have found application in a variety of genres, from blues and jazz to rock and metal. The richness of these techniques takes your guitar playing and improvisation skills to the next level.
Understanding the Modes
Modal scales, or simply modes, are variations of the diatonic scales, where the starting note (the ‘tonic’) changes while the notes remain the same. The concept of modes can be traced back to ancient Greece but has evolved over the centuries and found a firm footing in modern music.
There are seven modes derived from the diatonic scale, each with its distinctive mood and tonal color: Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian.
The Ionian mode corresponds to the major scale, and the Aeolian mode matches the natural minor scale. Take the C major scale, for example. If you play it from C to C, it’s C Ionian (C major). But if you play it from A to A, it’s A Aeolian (A minor). That’s the beauty of modes—they offer a new perspective on familiar territory.
For an in-depth introduction to modal scales, the “Music Theory From the Ground Up” series by Ben Levin on YouTube offers an engaging and accessible starting point. His video on modes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKbPIGnqt80) is particularly insightful.
Applying Modes to Your Playing
Each mode has its own distinctive character and emotional impact, which can give your playing a new depth and variety. The bright, cheerful sound of the Ionian mode is great for pop and country, while the melancholic, rich sound of the Aeolian mode is perfect for blues and rock.
For practical, hands-on lessons in modal playing, check out Marty Schwartz’s YouTube lessons. His video on the Aeolian mode (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmBZWX3W7GA) is an excellent guide on how to incorporate this minor-sounding mode into your guitar solos.
The CAGED System
Beyond modes, the CAGED system is another powerful tool for guitarists. It’s named after the five basic open chord shapes: C, A, G, E, and D. The CAGED system enables you to visualize and navigate the guitar fretboard by mapping out chord shapes and their related scales across the neck.
The advantage of the CAGED system is that it breaks the vast, complex expanse of the fretboard into manageable chunks. You can find the same chord in different positions, which can open up new ways to voice chords and play melodies.
For those new to the CAGED system, JustinGuitar has an excellent introductory lesson on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhrGeolabvI). His clear, step-by-step instructions help demystify this essential concept.
Combining Modes with the CAGED System
Understanding how modes correspond with the CAGED system can elevate your playing significantly. Each chord shape in the CAGED system aligns with a scale shape for each mode, opening up a variety of tonal possibilities across the fretboard.
For example, you can take the E shape from the CAGED system, which usually aligns with the Ionian (major) mode. You could then shift this shape up and down the neck to play major scales in any key. Or, you can keep the E shape in place and alter the scale shape to play different modes in E.
A fantastic resource for understanding how to connect modes with the CAGED system is the YouTube lesson by Desi Serna (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwv0J8qF8hU), where he expertly breaks down the intersection of these two critical concepts.
Final Thoughts
Exploring modes and the CAGED system can seem intimidating initially, but the rewards are substantial. As you delve deeper into these concepts, you’ll uncover new dimensions in your guitar playing and develop a more profound connection with your instrument. So, keep those YouTube videos on repeat, stay persistent, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of musical discovery!