Guitar Modes Chart (With Tabs): The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

Here’s all the guitar modes you’ll ever need, complete with tabs so you can practice them right away, learn them, and incorporate them into your playing

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Guitar Modes Chart (With Tabs): The Ultimate Beginner's Guide
Guitar Modes Chart (With Tabs): The Ultimate Beginner's Guide
Guitar Modes Chart (With Tabs): The Ultimate Beginner's Guide
Guitar Modes Chart (With Tabs): The Ultimate Beginner's Guide
Guitar Modes Chart (With Tabs): The Ultimate Beginner's Guide

Guitar Modes Explained: Major, Minor & How To Play Them


Major Modes 🎶 (Bright & Uplifting)

Ionian Mode (Major Scale) 🌞

Interval Pattern: Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half

The Ionian mode is the foundation of all major scales, giving a happy and uplifting vibe. Perfect for feel-good tunes!

    E|----------------------------|
    B|----------------------------|
    G|----------------------------|
    D|-----------------2-4--------|
    A|------2-4-5-----------------|
    E|-3-5------------------------|
  

Lydian Mode ✨

Interval Pattern: Whole, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half

The Lydian mode has a dreamy quality, thanks to the raised fourth degree. It’s perfect for creating a mystical and ethereal feel.

    E|----------------------------|
    B|----------------------------|
    G|-----------------------2-4--|
    D|-------------2-4-6----------|
    A|------2-4-5-----------------|
    E|-3-5------------------------|
  

Mixolydian Mode 🎸

Interval Pattern: Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole

The Mixolydian mode is often used in rock and blues, featuring a lowered seventh degree. It has a laid-back, groovy vibe, great for catchy riffs!

    E|----------------------------|
    B|----------------------------|
    G|-----------------------2-4--|
    D|-------------2-4-5----------|
    A|------2-4-5-----------------|
    E|-3-5------------------------|
  

Minor Modes 🎵 (Darker & Melancholic)

Dorian Mode 🌑

Interval Pattern: Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole

The Dorian mode has a raised sixth degree, giving it a mix of minor tonality with a hint of brightness. Great for blues and jazz improvisation.

    E|----------------------------|
    B|----------------------------|
    G|-----------------------2-4--|
    D|-------------2-4-5----------|
    A|------2-3-5-----------------|
    E|-3-5------------------------|
  

Phrygian Mode 🔥

Interval Pattern: Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole

The Phrygian mode has a very exotic and Spanish flamenco feel, thanks to its lowered second degree. It’s perfect for dramatic and intense music.

    E|----------------------------|
    B|----------------------------|
    G|-----------------------1-3--|
    D|-------------2-3-5----------|
    A|------3-5-------------------|
    E|-3-4------------------------|
  

Aeolian Mode (Natural Minor Scale) 🌧️

Interval Pattern: Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole

The Aeolian mode is the natural minor scale, often conveying a melancholic and emotional feel. It works well in many genres, especially in metal and classical music.

    E|----------------------------|
    B|----------------------------|
    G|-----------------------2-4--|
    D|-------------2-3-5----------|
    A|------2-3-5-----------------|
    E|-3-5------------------------|
  

Locrian Mode ⚡

Interval Pattern: Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole

The Locrian mode is the darkest of all modes, with both a lowered second and fifth degree. It has a very tense and unstable sound, often used sparingly in metal.

    E|----------------------------|
    B|----------------------------|
    G|-----------------------1-3--|
    D|-------------2-3-5----------|
    A|------2-3-5-----------------|
    E|-3-4------------------------|
  

What Are Guitar Modes, Anyway?

WTF Are Guitar Modes & Why Should I Care!

In simple terms, guitar modes are different scales you can play, all built from the major scale.

Think of the major scale like a pizza—you’ve got seven slices (or notes), and depending on which slice you start with, you get a different flavor.

There are seven modes in total, and each one creates its own vibe while still using the same notes from the parent major scale.

By shifting which note you emphasize, you get a totally different sound!

The Seven Guitar Modes

Ionian (Major Scale)

  • Notes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
  • Sound: Happy, uplifting, and familiar—this is the go-to “feel-good” scale.
  • Use: Pretty much everything—it’s the foundation of Western music.

Dorian

  • Notes: 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, 6, b7
  • Sound: Minor with a bit of chill—it’s got a relaxed but groovy feel.
  • Use: Jazz and blues, perfect for those moody jams.

Phrygian

  • Notes: 1, b2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7
  • Sound: Dark, exotic, with a Spanish or Middle Eastern vibe.
  • Use: If you want something that sounds mysterious or dramatic, this is your mode.

Lydian

  • Notes: 1, 2, 3, #4, 5, 6, 7
  • Sound: Dreamy, mystical—like you’re floating on a cloud.
  • Use: Film scores, progressive rock, and anything where you want to transport people to another world.

Mixolydian

  • Notes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, b7
  • Sound: Bluesy, a bit jazzy, with a laid-back swagger.
  • Use: Rock, blues, and funky jams—this one’s a staple in classic rock solos.

Aeolian (Natural Minor)

  • Notes: 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7
  • Sound: Sad, emotional, and a bit haunting.
  • Use: Everywhere! From pop ballads to heavy metal riffs, Aeolian is your go-to for anything that needs a minor, emotional touch.

Locrian

  • Notes: 1, b2, b3, 4, b5, b6, b7
  • Sound: Dark, tense, and a little dissonant.
  • Use: Not super common, but great for creating unsettling, intense vibes in more experimental music.

    How To Learn Guitar Modes (Actionable Steps)

    learning guitar modes

    Learning guitar modes doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach, you can integrate modes into your playing faster than you think.

    I get it, though. If you’re brand new or just getting started, it might look and sound uber complicated.

    Trust me, it isn’t. Not once you get the basics down. Something kind of just clicks in your mind and you get it.

    I know that sounds like BS, but it’s true. I’ve had so many students over the years and the process is always the same: confusion, fear, and then it just clicks.

    Let’s break it down into bite-sized steps that you can actually do during practice, even if you’re just starting out.

    Start with Ionian (Your Baseline)

    Major Modes 🎶 (Bright & Uplifting)

    Ionian Mode (Major Scale) 🌞

    Interval Pattern: Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half

    The Ionian mode is the foundation of all major scales, giving a happy and uplifting vibe. Perfect for feel-good tunes!

        E|----------------------------|
        B|----------------------------|
        G|----------------------------|
        D|-----------------2-4--------|
        A|------2-4-5-----------------|
        E|-3-5------------------------|
      
    • What it is: The Ionian mode is just the regular major scale—those classic, happy-sounding notes you’ve probably heard a million times.
    • How to Practice:
      • Pick a key (let’s say C major).
      • Play the C major scale up and down across all the strings.
      • Say the notes out loud as you play (C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C). This will help you understand the structure of the scale.
      • Get comfortable with this scale. You need to know it like the back of your hand because it’s the foundation for the other modes.

    Action Tip: Start playing the major scale in different positions on the neck. Play it in the open position, mid-neck, and higher up. The goal is to recognize that wherever you are on the fretboard, the Ionian mode (major scale) is your reference point.

    Work Your Way Through the Modes

    • What it is: Each mode is just the major scale starting from a different note. Once you understand this, modes are a lot less intimidating.
    • How to Practice:
      • After mastering the Ionian mode, shift to Dorian. Instead of starting on the first note of the scale, start on the second. So in C major, instead of starting on C, start on D, and play the exact same notes (D, E, F, G, A, B, C).
      • Next, move on to Phrygian—start on the third note of the major scale (in C major, this is E). Play from E to E using the notes of C major (E, F, G, A, B, C, D, E).
      • Do this for all seven modes. Each time you shift your starting note, you’ll start hearing how the feel of the mode changes, even though the notes are the same.

    Action Tip: Practice each mode for 5-10 minutes a day, one at a time. Start with just two modes—Ionian and Dorian—until they feel natural. Once you’re comfortable, add a third mode and so on. It’s like stacking bricks—go slow and steady.

    Method to Mastery: The Lydian Leapfrog Trick

    Major Modes 🎶 (Bright & Uplifting)

    Lydian Mode ✨

    Interval Pattern: Whole, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half

    The Lydian mode has a dreamy quality, thanks to the raised fourth degree. It’s perfect for creating a mystical and ethereal feel.

        E|----------------------------|
        B|----------------------------|
        G|-----------------------2-4--|
        D|-------------2-4-6----------|
        A|------2-4-5-----------------|
        E|-3-5------------------------|
      
    • What it is: A cool practice technique that helps you transition between modes by adjusting just one note at a time. This method is effective because it trains your ear to hear subtle changes between modes.
    • How to Practice:
      • Start with the Lydian mode (which is the 4th mode, starting on F in the key of C major).
      • Play F Lydian (F, G, A, B, C, D, E, F). Notice the raised 4th note (B instead of Bb).
      • Now, shift to Ionian by lowering that #4 note (B) to a natural 4 (Bb). Now you’re back to the standard C major scale.
      • From Ionian, shift into Mixolydian by lowering the 7th note. This will create a bluesier sound.
      • Keep adjusting just one note at a time as you cycle through all the modes.

    Action Tip: Practice the leapfrog method over a backing track in a specific key. For example, in the key of C, play over a C major drone and shift between modes one note at a time. This helps reinforce how each mode sounds in relation to the same chord.

    Use the Modes in Context (Play Over Chord Progressions)

    This is a great E-Minor backing track. I use it all the time to practice.
    • What it is: It’s not enough to just memorize the modes—you need to start applying them to actual music. Play over chord progressions to hear how each mode fits with certain chords.
    • How to Practice:
      • Start by playing over a D minor chord using the D Dorian mode (D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D). This will give your minor playing a jazzy, uplifting feel.
      • Switch to an E minor chord and use the E Phrygian mode (E, F, G, A, B, C, D, E). Notice how this mode brings a darker, more exotic flavor to the chord.
      • Keep experimenting with different chords and modes.

    Action Tip: Loop a simple chord progression in your DAW (or grab a looper pedal) and try soloing over it using different modes. Start with two modes like Dorian and Mixolydian. Once you’re comfortable, add another mode into the mix.

    Consistency is Key

    • What it is: Mastery comes from repetition. Consistency in practice will help solidify the modes in your mind and under your fingers.
    • How to Practice:
      • Set aside 15-20 minutes a day dedicated solely to modes.
      • Focus on one mode per week and really dig into it. Play it up and down the fretboard, use it in your solos, and see how it fits with different chords.
      • After you’ve covered all seven modes, start mixing them up in your improvisation.

    Action Tip: Record yourself playing over a chord progression in different modes. Listening back will help you spot areas to improve and also recognize the different feels each mode brings to your playing.

    Why Should You Care About Modes?

    Dimebag Darrell Pedal Guide

    Modes open up your soloing and songwriting game in a BIG way. Instead of sticking to just one scale for a song, you can switch between modes to add color and emotion to your playing.

    This will make your playing not only sound better but also way more expressive. You’ll be free to experiment and, in the long run, this will make you a much better guitarist.

    If you’ve hit the limit of what you can do with the pentatonic scale, learning modes is a sure-fire way to 10x your playing in a very short amount of time.

    Once you understand modes, a whole other universe opens up on the neck. It’s like when you first start to instinctively know where notes are. It’s a confidence boost, you sound better, your riffs more complete.

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