Modal Chord Progressions

The C Major scale is a special scale for many reasons. Not only is it void of accidentals (sharps and flats) but it is also the only scale that has a full series of scales sprung from it.

These scales are called modes. The modes are scales that are built off of the C Major scale degrees. In all, there are seven modes.

In this article, we will discuss how you can use modes to create progressions.

When playing a mode, the most common mistake a guitarist makes is playing that mode as an extension of C Major. Keep in mind that modes were actually created before our modern scales.

This means that they each have their own properties, and should be played as such. This will make it easier for the listener and your fellow musicians to distinguish a mode from a scale degree.

Before we get into modal chord progressions, let’s identify the modes on guitar.

As we stated earlier, there are seven modes in all; Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian. Each of these scales coincides with a scale degree of C Major; the tonic, supertonic, mediant, subdominant, dominant, submediant, and leading tone.

These scale degrees can all be read as numbers as well; I, II, III, IV, V, VI, and VII. The capital Roman numerals refer to a major degree, while the lower case Roman numerals refer to a minor scale degree.

If we write out our modes, they will look like this:

I – Ionian: C, D, E, F, G, A, B

II – Dorian: D, E, F, G, A, B, C

III – Phrygian: E, F, G, A, B, C, D

IV – Lydian: F, G, A, B, C, D, E

V – Mixolydian: G, A, B, C, D, E, F

VI – Aeolian: A, B, C, D, E, F, G

VII – Locrian – B, C, D, E, F, G, A

Unlike the C Major scale itself, each mode is major (whereas some of the scale degrees of C Major are minor). This means that, while they can be played with their respective scale degrees and the C Major scales, they cannot be played with other scales of the same notes names. For instance, the Aeolian scale would not fit properly with the A Major scale, as their properties are too different.

When creating a chord progression using a mode, the hardest thing to do is remember that, while they share the same notes as their counterparts, they are void of accidentals, just like the C Major scales. This leads to their unique sound, as they tend to achieve more of an exotic vibe.

The best way to get familiar with modal progressions is by starting off simple; try making basic I--IV--V progressions using each mode. Then trying playing the progression and following with a melody. Outline the triads of each scale degree.

Do anything that you can to familiarize yourself with the scale. Once you have, try expanding your range of progressions. While they are different than modern scales, modal progressions are built in the same way; one step at a time.

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