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:
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We've extended our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs sale until September 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 offer a wide range of genres designed to work seamlessly with your project. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 for Mac or for Windows are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 11 PAKs for only $149 (reg. $299)!
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with ANY version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-11 includes 1,100 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 for Mac or for Windows are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! .
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 includes 3,900 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
Note: XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs include additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® that work seamlessly with your project. Xtra Styles PAKs and XPro Styles PAKs are NOT included in any Band-in-a-Box® package!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 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 22 requires the 2026 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.
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Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
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