Major modes
Major modes
Ionian, Lydian and Mixolydian contain a major 3rd but differ in 4th and 7th behavior.
Guitar Scales · ChordRevelation
Guitar Modes — Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian & More
Modes are most useful when heard against a tonal center and chord function. Treating them only as seven fretboard patterns misses the harmonic reason they sound different.
Interval formula / structureIonian · Dorian · Phrygian · Lydian · Mixolydian · Aeolian · Locrian
guitar modesmodes guitarmodal scalesguitar modes chartmodes of the major scale
Harmony first
Where this scale fits.
ChordRevelation treats scale choice as a relationship between chord formula, function and target — not as a root-name lookup.
Minor modes
Minor modes
Dorian, Phrygian and Aeolian contain a minor 3rd but differ in 2nd and 6th degrees.
Locrian
Locrian
Locrian adds a diminished 5th, making it especially connected to half-diminished harmony.
Fretboard practice
Turn the formula into usable guitar vocabulary.
Keep chord tones visible, compare overlays and practice toward the next chord instead of running patterns without a harmonic destination.
Practice
Use one root
Compare all seven modes from C or another single root to hear interval differences directly.
Practice
Pair mode with chord
Dorian is more meaningful over a suitable minor chord than as an abstract pattern.
Practice
Identify the characteristic tone
Focus on the degree that separates one mode from a nearby major/minor scale.
FAQ
Quick answers.
The interval formula is the starting point; Play Over provides the real harmonic context.
What is the formula for guitar modes?
Ionian · Dorian · Phrygian · Lydian · Mixolydian · Aeolian · Locrian
How should I practice guitar modes on guitar?
Connect the interval formula to chord tones and real harmonic context, then compare positions on the fretboard instead of memorizing a single box.
Can I use guitar modes over every chord with the same root?
No. Scale choice depends on chord quality, harmonic function, key context and the next target chord, not only the root name.
ChordRevelation Play Over
See the scale inside the actual chord.
Open the approach on the fretboard, compare chord tones with tensions, keep multiple overlays visible and use the next chord as the resolution target.