Since discovering "modes" and learning a bit how to compose in them (with the invaluable aid of BiaB) I've been having a musical blast. Much of my recent showcased work has been devoted to explorations in modes--either in composing whole pieces, sections of pieces, or brief forays into modal progressions within sections of pieces.
So I thought I might take up some time and space to make a pompous and presumptuous (and possibly pointless) post about what I (a not very advanced "theorist") have uncovered which may be of benefit to others like me. This is not a tutorial on modes. It's simply a testimonial on how I've used them, and how relatively easy the concepts are to grasp and utilize.
I've worked with modes on three levels.
Firstly, there is the simple act of harmonizing a modal scale. Because the scales of the "modes of major" differ from the major scales, the triads (and extensions) built off of these modal scales are different. The basic "rules" are not different from how a major scale is "harmonized". The reason that certain chords fit in certain major scales is because of the scales themselves and how triads (and extensions) are sussed out of the scales. The same is true for the modal scales and resulting chords.
In short, if you know how and why the chords of a major key/scale exist, then you can figure out the chords of any of the modes of major. Beyond that, there are many resources on the web that will give you a chart with which you can skip the "building" and go straight to the "built".
Using chords from the modes, I've been able to compose more "sophisticated" music that I can still PLAY!* They are all just triads (and extensions) that are not different from what I already know how to play and use. It's simply that the palette of colors has increased and I can "go to" them with confidence as well as by ear.
The second way I've used modes is by hammering home that character of the mode by constant (or repeated) use of the root note of the key under the chords formed by the modal scale. Whether it is with slash chords, drones, or repeated emphasis in soloing, that strong emphasis on the root will change the character of each chord and it's place in the progression in surprising (yet still musical) ways. This is a way to really ring the juice out of the modal scale.
And the third way I have used them is also designed to squeeze the juiciness out of them. It is to utilize the chords which are different (in each mode) from the chords of the basic major scale. Bu "different" I mean that in a modal scale, the root of certain chords may be (usually) flatted or sharped. What might be two half-steps in a major scale may be only one half-step in a modal scale. Not all the chords will be "different" (necessarily), but if I construct the progression heavily with those chords which are different, I can get a more distinct feel and sound from the mode.
And sometimes I use two or three of those at the same time.
Modes are not just used in "exotic" or "ethnic" music. A lot of western rock, pop, classical, jazz, and other musics use them. Many times, they don't even sound "odd" at all! Heck, I used them even before I had a clue what I was doing, and it's likely that many of the musicians who do use them don't plan it out in advance. It's simply that now, with basic knowledge, I can use them more thoughtfully, purposefully, confidently and without having to thumb through an entire chord book to find something that "says" what I want.
Did you know that Natural Minor is essentially a MODE of Major? Have you ever written a song (or section of a song) in a minor key? If you have, you can learn to use any mode.
Do you know the triads of the major scale? If you do, you can learn and/or create the chords of any mode of major--and especially if you can locate a good visual reference.
And if you know how to build further extensions (maj7, dom7, m7, 9ths, 11ths and 13ths, and their alterations) to scale, then you know more than me. That's coming, though, because it's fun. I'll just have to find a good visual reference, because I'm a lazy bugger.
* or enter into BiaB.
Last edited by Tangmo; 10/20/2004:12 AM. Reason: clarification
Heck, I used them even before I had a clue what I was doing, and it's likely that many of the musicians who do use them don't plan it out in advance.
^^^This!
I had been trying to figure out what key I had written a piano riff in and was having a very hard time resolving it. Ends up I wrote it in Mixolydian...
This post was from a year ago but I look at it quite a bit as a good resource:
P.S. - Listened to "How To Make A Classic Rock Hit Single 35 Years Late [RIFFING WITH MODES #5 - MIXOLYDIAN]" on the Signals Music Studio YouTube page. That was soooo awesome!!! Thanks for the share!
Last edited by sslechta; 10/20/2010:11 AM. Reason: Added YouTube info
Heck, I used them even before I had a clue what I was doing, and it's likely that many of the musicians who do use them don't plan it out in advance.
^^^This!
I had been trying to figure out what key I had written a piano riff in and was having a very hard time resolving it. Ends up I wrote it in Mixolydian...
This post was from a year ago but I look at it quite a bit as a good resource:
P.S. - Listened to "How To Make A Classic Rock Hit Single 35 Years Late [RIFFING WITH MODES #5 - MIXOLYDIAN]" on the Signals Music Studio YouTube page. That was soooo awesome!!! Thanks for the share!
Great video. Long at 40 minutes! Here it is:
ThinkPad i9 32GB RAM 7TB SSD; Win11 Pro; RME Fireface UCX II; BiaB 2025 Ultra Bitwig Studio 5; Studio One Pro 7; Melodyne Studio 5; Acoustica Premium 7 Gig Performer 5; NI S61 MK3; Focal Shape 65; Beyerdynamic DT 880 & 770
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This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
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Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
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Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
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XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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