From my experience, Joe, modal methods is where it all really starts.

In other words, the "other" ways of thinking are based on first knowing those modes, if Western Musics is what you are trying to learn to play.

Again, as with all else, the only way to approach learning the modes is one mode at a time.

A good starting mode for you, I'd recommend concentrating only on the Dorian mode. This mode lends itself easily to the guitar as well as being an essential mode for not only your stated goal of Flamenco playing. Carlos Santana solos almost exclusively in the Dorian mode, for example. So do a lot of Flamenco players, check out Paco's solos searching for hearing the Dorian in there.

On the guitar neck, one can simply shift one of the Major Scale patterns to suit the key of the backing and presto change-o there's the Dorian mode.

But do not neglect the Major and minor Pentatonic patterns as well. One can play a heckuva lot of geetar soloing switching back and forth between the properly selected Pentas and the Dorian.

The Major and minor pentatonics are hiding inside the Dorian scale. Just doesn't use all the notes.


--Mac

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