FAQ

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Q; What are Modes?

A; Modes are essentially scales based on a particular note of a key. When you play all the notes of a key beginning and ending on a note of the same name, you are playing a mode. For instance; if you are in the key of C and you play a scale beginning on D and ending on D an octave higher, you are playing the Dorian Mode.

Q; Why are the modes in the app only single octaves?

A; The single octave patterns in Modes 101 provide the clearest examples of the modes on the fretboard for understanding the fundamental structure of each mode. These patterns can be combined to go beyond one octave. You can see how the various forms are connected by selecting "All Forms" from the wheel.

Q; Why are the modes shown in specific pairs? And why is Dorian mode different?

A; Six of the seven modes are paired into "Modules" in the Fretography Method. The symmetry of these modules simplifies the process of learning the modes because their tonal relationships become more clear.

For instance; Ionian and Phrygian modes are actually inversions of each other. The interval pattern of the Ionian mode is W-W-H-W-W-W-H, the interval pattern of Phrygian mode is H-W-W-W-H-W-W (W=Wholestep, H=Halfstep). Notice how they are exactly opposite. So, learn one of these modes and you know the other just by reversing the intervals.

Dorian mode is different because it is the only mode which has its own internal mirror symmetry; W-H-W-W-W-H-W.

Q; Why doesn't Dorian mode have a 'Form 2'?

A; Form 2 modes are rooted on the 3rd or 4th string and span 5 frets and require a hand shift. Because of the unique symmetry of the Dorian Mode, it spans 4 frets when it is rooted on either the 3rd or 4th string. On the selector wheel, the text; 'Form 2' is greyed out, and the wheel will not allow you to select it.

Q; Why does the app show the key of F# and Gb when they are the same actual pitch?

A; Even though the keys of F# and Gb represent the same tones on the guitar, they are both included because there is a 50/50 chance that one is preferable to the other given that they have the same number of sharps (F# has 6 sharps) or flats (Gb has 6 flats). If you study the Circle of Fifths you'll see the significance of these key signatures.

Q; When some of the modes are played together they sound wrong. Is this a bug?

A; Each pair of modes has a different interval relationship;

 • Ionian (I) and Phrygian (III) are a 3rd or 6th apart and create a naturally sweet sounding harmony.
 • Mixolydian (V) and Aeolian (VI) are a 2nd (one step) or 7th apart which makes them naturally dissonant when played together.
 • Lydian (IV) and Locrian (VII) are a 4th or 5th apart which gives them a somewhat gritty tone when played together.

Notice that each mode pair has two interval relationships. A 3rd is the inversion of a 6th. Depending on which mode is played in a higher or lower register. For instance: If Ionian mode (rooted on the note C) is lower in pitch than Phrygian (rooted on the note E), the two modes are a 3rd apart (C-D-E = 1-2-3). If Phrygian is lower in pitch, then the modes are a 6th apart (E-F-G-A-B-C = 3-4-5-6-7-1). Likewise, a 2nd is a 7th inversion and a 4th is a 5th inversion.

Understanding the natural tonal relationships between the modes will help you recognize different harmonic qualities in various types of music. Sometimes dissonance is just what you want in a piece of music. It may sound "wrong" in one context and "right" in another.