Saturday 5 March 2011

Learn Guitar Scales : Using the Mixolydian Mode For Powerful Guitar Solos

By Nick Dillon


So you want to learn guitar scales and modes, but don't know where to begin? Once you learn the pentatonic scales you can simply add two notes to create the seven modes of the major scale. Getting past the pentatonic scales is often the most challenging task for aspiring lead guitar players. But by knowing how to use the modes your solos will sound diverse and impressive. Let's look at the Mixolydian mode as an example.

When you learn guitar scales, you learn that a scale is a set of seven notes that is defined by the root note. The Mixolydian mode is created by taking the major scale, and simply making the fifth note the new root note. The distinct steps of the major scale are retained, we just start and end on a different note. So we now create a new sounding scale called the Mixolydian mode which can be applied to all twelve keys.

If we look a little deeper, a mode can be more than just the first and last note of the scale. A mode contains a distinct set of intervals, and this actually defines the mode's feel and sound, while the key that the mode is played in defines the exact notes contained.

The Mixolydian mode is defined by these distinct "steps" or intervals: Root, major 2nd, major 3rd, major 4th, major 5th, major 6th, and flatted 7th. So, in the C major key the notes are: G, A, B, C, D, E, and F. If this were actually the G major scale, then the F would be sharpened, this is the only difference. The flattened 7th of the Mixolydian mode compared to the major 7th of the major scale makes the mode sound more "bluesy".

The term "key" describes the central note around which a piece of music is based. The mixolydian mode can be played over the G major chords in the key of C major or its relative minor : A minor. The mode can also be applied to a solo or lead break where G is the tonic centre or key in itself.

The Mixolydian Mode is applied to many different styles or genres of music. This mode is often used in rock music to give a solo a melodic, powerful, and bright feel. As an example; Slash of Guns n Roses used this mode for his first two solos in "Sweet Child O Mine". You will also find this mode extensively used in Jazz guitar.

When you learn guitar scales, have a look at the modes. They will help you create dazzling solos by adding more colour and diversity than the simple pentatonic scales. The Mixolydian Mode is a favourite of many guitarists.




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