Relative And Parallel Modes – Easy Guitar Lessons 2023

Relative And Parallel Modes

we will discuss the difference between relative and parallel modes and how to play them on the guitar. I will present the information using diagrams and charts to make it easier to understand.

What Are Diatonic Modes?

Diatonic modes, also referred to as church modes or ecclesiastic modes are actually scales within the major scale. In other words, diatonic modes are built starting from each note of the major scale.

Example with C major :

C major is built with C D E F G A B. When starting from D we get a mode named D Dorian made of D E F G A B C. When starting from E we get another mode called E Phrygian mode (E F G A B C D) and so on.

Here is a recapitulative chart of the seven diatonic modes of C major :

What Is A Parent Scale?

A Parent Scale is the scale from which the seven modes are built. The following recapitulative chart show all the modes and their parent major scale. For example, the major parent scale of G Phrygian is Eb. The parent scale of D Aeolian is F.

Relative Modes

We talk about relative modes when they share the same notes (as presented in the first chart). In other words, relative modes are built with the same notes as in the parent major scale, except they start in different places. Relative And Parallel

Example with C major :

C major is built with C D E F G A B. When starting from D we get a mode named D Dorian made of D E F G A B C. When starting from E we get another mode called E Phrygian mode (E F G A B C D). Relative And Parallel Modes

Learning relative modes is not the best way to hear them, it is better to practice them in parallel as explained below. However, it allows to understand the connection between them within a unique parent scale. Relative And Parallel Modes

Parallel Modes

Many guitar players when learning modes for the first time play them within a unique scale, in other words they play the modes that have the same parent scale (relative modes). Relative And Parallel

This can be useful but you can’t hear correctly the differences between them. Because each mode has a different color, a different sound, it is important to practice them starting from the same tonic note, in parallel. Relative And Parallel

Here are the seven parallel modes that share the same tonic note (C) :

• The parent scale of C Ionian is C major.
• The parent scale of C Dorian is Bb major.
• The parent scale of C Phrygian is Ab major.
• The parent scale of C Lydian is G major.
• The parent scale of C Mixolydian is F major.
• The parent scale of C Aeolian is Eb major.
• The parent scale of C Locrian is Db major.

What Is Guitar Modes?

Guitar modes are different scales that are derived from the major scale. They provide a unique tonality and mood when played on the guitar. Each mode starts and ends on a different note within the major scale, resulting in a distinct sound. Relative And Parallel Modes

There are seven modes in total, and they include the Ionian mode (major scale), Dorian mode, Phrygian mode, Lydian mode, Mixolydian mode, Aeolian mode (natural minor scale), and Locrian mode. Each mode has its own characteristic intervals and sound, allowing guitarists to create different musical flavors and explore various musical genres. Relative And Parallel Modes

Understanding and mastering guitar modes can enhance your improvisation skills, composition abilities, and overall musical versatility. By learning how to play and apply modes on the guitar, you can add depth and variety to your playing, and create captivating melodies and solos. Relative And Parallel Modes