Modes and modal scales are called by their roots, not parent major scales. For example, if you’re playing notes and chords from the E major scale, but the 5 chord B is functioning as the root, then you would call it B Mixolydian (not E Mixolydian). B Mixolydian means that B is the root and it’s the 5th (Mixolydian is the fifth mode). If B is 5, then obviously E is 1. With mode names, you must figure out the parent major scale yourself.
An example of a song in Mixolydian mode is “Fire On the Mountain” by Grateful Dead. It uses chords 5 and 4 from the E major scale with the 5 chord, B, functioning as the root. Play E major scale patterns over it and you’ll produce the B Mixolydian mode sound.
To learn more about guitar modes read Fretboard Theory Chapter 8 or watch the video Guitar Modes – The Modal Scales of Popular Music DVD.
Guitar Theory
To learn more about music theory for guitar, including scales, chords, progressions, modes, and more, sign up for a free preview of my Fretboard Theory books and DVDs by using the form on this web page.
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Mr. Desi Serna
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