Gambale oon modes

HOW TO CONSTRUC MODAL CHORD PROGRESSION

- Let’s say we need a c dorian chord progression.

o Dorian is the second mode. So the notes used in it will be the notes of b flat major
scale (of which c is the second degree)
o Therefore, we will also use the CHORDS of the underlying b flat major scale, which
are b flat major, c minor, d minor, e flat major, f major, g minor and a diminished.

TO REALLY BRING OUT THE QUEALITIES OF THE MODE IN THE PROGRESSION, USE THE PEDAL TONE –
THE SCALE ROOT NOTE, AND PLAY THE TWO MAJOR CHORDS THAT APPEAR NEXT TO EACH OTHER
IN THE MAJOR SCALE (4TH AND 5TH CHORD). In the above dorian example, we would play C as the
pedal tone, and over it a progression of Eflat over C (which in fact is Cmin7), and Fmajor over C.

To play any modal scale anywhere on the neck, relate it to the major scale and then adjust the
relevant notes – flatten and sharpen as appropriate. E.g. dorian has a flat 3 and flat 7.

Dorian – rock/blues

Phrygian – haunting

Mixolydian – bluesy

To really hear the modal quality of the progression, play every chord in it over the root note of that
mode.