Scale Mode

Learn Guitar Scales : Using The Ionian Mode To Unlock Your Guitar Solos

It is important as you learn guitar scales to learn the modes of the major scale. A good starting point is the Ionian mode or simply called the major scale. This scale is very popular in all different types of music from classical to rock to jazz and many others.

This scale is in a sense a reference point for much of the terminology in music and is the one scale that is essential for musicians to understand.

As you learn guitar scales you will realise that scales are simply a series of notes separated by distinct intervals or steps. The intervals of the Ionian mode are root tone –T-T –ST –T-T-T-ST, where T = a tone or two frets and ST = a semitone or 1 fret. A major scale can be formed by simply arranging any set of notes with these intervals. This set of intervals gives the well known – do, re, me, fa, so la, ti sound.

The major scale intervals produce a bright and happy feel. This can be attributed mostly to the major 3rd but also how the other notes sound in relation to the root note. This scale is often chosen to convey a positive, happy vibe to a piece of music. As you learn guitar scales, listen to how the intervals affect the mood and feel of the scale.

The major scale will give a good starting or reference point to other scales, due to its neutral, easy sounding intervals. Once you know how it sounds, you can train your ear to listen out for differences in these familiar intervals giving different scales. This is an important skill as you learn guitar scales.

If we take the major scale we can construct triads from each of the notes, creating 3 major, 3 minor and a diminished chord. A typical major progression will only use the major triads from the root, fourth and fifth notes of the scale. These three chords are often the easiest to solo over.

The major scale is used extensively in rock, classical, jazz, country and even hymns and nursery rhymes. The longest guitar solo ever in the top forty charts ; Slash's "November Rain" used this scale, showing us just how versatile this scale can be.

As you learn guitar scales and progress beyond the pentatonics and blues, ensure to learn the modes. The Ionian mode or major scale is a logical starting point to expand your lead guitar playing skills.

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