Master the Minor Modes
Unlock the fretboard by understanding the three minor modes of the C Major scale.
The Foundation: C Major Scale
Everything starts here. These seven notes are the building blocks for all the modes in this lesson. Think of it as the parent DNA.
Meet the Three Minor Modes
D Dorian
The Jazzy Minor
Built from the 2nd degree of C Major. It's a minor scale with a unique, bright-sounding Major 6th interval, perfect for jazz, funk, and fusion.
Notes:
D - E - F - G - A - B - C
Sounds great over:
Dm7 Chords
E Phrygian
The Spanish/Exotic Minor
Built from the 3rd degree of C Major. Its defining feature is the dark, tense Minor 2nd interval, giving it a distinct Spanish or metal flavor.
Notes:
E - F - G - A - B - C - D
Sounds great over:
Em or Em7 Chords
A Aeolian
The Natural Minor
Built from the 6th degree of C Major. This is your standard, natural minor scale. It's the sound of most pop, rock, and classical minor key music.
Notes:
A - B - C - D - E - F - G
Sounds great over:
Am or Am7 Chords
Key Facts & Common Ground
While each minor mode has its own unique character, they share fundamental similarities and defining differences that give them their distinct sounds.
What They Have in Common
- All three modes are derived directly from the **C Major scale**. They use the exact same notes, just starting on a different root.
- They all possess a **minor 3rd** (relative to their own root), which is what gives them their "minor" quality.
- They all possess a **minor 7th** (relative to their own root), contributing to their overall minor sound.
- They are all excellent choices for improvising over **minor chords**.
Defining Differences (The "Facts")
- **Dorian:** Defined by its **Major 6th**. This bright interval gives it a smoother, more "jazzy" or "optimistic" minor sound compared to the natural minor.
- **Phrygian:** Defined by its **Minor 2nd**. This half-step above the root creates a very dark, exotic, and often "Spanish" or "Middle Eastern" feel.
- **Aeolian (Natural Minor):** Defined by its **Minor 6th** and **Minor 7th** (in addition to the minor 3rd). This is the standard minor scale, providing a familiar melancholic sound without the unique tensions of Dorian or Phrygian.
Finding the Modes on the Fretboard
All three modes use the same seven notes of C Major. The only thing that changes is your starting point, or "root note." This diagram shows the C Major notes on the first few frets. Find the root to find the mode!
Putting it all into Practice
- Play the scales. Practice each mode up and down the neck. Start on the correct root note (D, E, or A) but only use the notes from C Major.
- Listen to the flavor. Pay close attention to the unique sound of each mode. Internalize the "jazzy" Major 6th in Dorian and the "dark" Minor 2nd in Phrygian.
- Jam over chords. Use a looper or backing track. Improvise with D Dorian over a Dm7 chord. Use E Phrygian over an Em chord. Use A Aeolian over an Am chord. This is where it clicks!
- Transpose and explore. Once you're comfortable, try finding the minor modes of other major scales, like G Major or F Major. The pattern is always the same.
