Guitar Scale Lesson : Mode Charts

In guitar modes part 1 we talked about the theory behind modes.
In part 2 the scale charts show you how modes are played on the guitar. Use all of your senses when learning guitar scales: use your ears (most important), your eyes (recognize the pattern on the fretboard), your intellect (memorize the guitar scale formulas) and the feeling in your fingers.

The number under the fret board represents the fret number.

 : represents the root or 1 of the guitar scale.  The letter inside the box
           is the note name.

 : represents a guitar scale note.

1. C Ionian Scale

• Formula : 1    2    3    4     5     6    7
  
• Related chord : Cmaj7
• Use : on major chords

2. D Dorian Scale

• Formula : 1    2    b3    4     5     6    b7
  
• Related chord : Dm7
• Use : on minor chords

3. E Phrygian Scale

• Formula : 1    b2    b3    4     5     b6    b7
  
• Related chord : Em7
• Use : on minor chords (this one has a Spanish flavor and is one of the guitar scales frequently used in flamenco)

4. F Lydian Scale

• Formula : 1    2    3    #4     5     6    7
  
• Related chord : Fmaj7
• Use : on major chords

5. G Mixolydian Scale

• Formula : 1    2    3    4     5     6    b7
  
• Related chord : G7
• Use : on dominant chords (one of the blues guitar scales)

6. A Aeolian Scale

• Formula : 1    2    b3    4     5     b6    b7
  
• Related chord : Am7
• Use : on minor chords

7. B Locrian Scale

• Formula : 1    b2    b3    4     b5     b6    b7
  
• Related chord : Bm7b5
• Use : on half diminished chords