All Seven Modes
Phrygian, Lydian, Locrian and when to use each
The Remaining Modes
You know Ionian (major), Aeolian (natural minor), Dorian, and Mixolydian. Let's complete the set:
Phrygian (3rd mode): 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7. The flat 2nd gives it a dark, exotic, Spanish/flamenco flavour. Used in metal, flamenco, and Middle Eastern-influenced music. The half-step between 1 and b2 is its signature sound.
Lydian (4th mode): 1 2 3 #4 5 6 7. The raised 4th creates a dreamy, floating, ethereal quality. It's the brightest of all modes — think film scores, ambient music, and Steve Vai. The #4 is the "magic note."
Locrian (7th mode): 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7. The most unstable mode — it has a diminished 5th, making even its "home" chord feel unresolved. Rarely used as a key centre, but useful for brief passages over diminished or m7b5 chords.
Choosing Modes in Practice
When soloing, your mode choice depends on the chord underneath:
Over a major chord: Ionian or Lydian
Over a minor chord: Aeolian, Dorian, or Phrygian
Over a dominant 7 chord: Mixolydian
Over a m7b5 or diminished: Locrian (briefly)
The key is listening. Each mode's "characteristic note" (the one that differs from plain major or minor) is what gives it flavour. Emphasise that note to make the mode's colour audible; avoid it to stay safe.
Tab Examples
E Phrygian
e---------------------0--1--3-- B---------------0--1----------- G---------0--2----------------- D---0--2--3-------------------- A--0--1--3--------------------- E--0--1--3---------------------
F Lydian
e----------------------------0--2-- B---------------------1--3--------- G---------------0--2--------------- D---------0--2--3------------------ A---0--2--3------------------------ E--1--3----------------------------
Tips
- Phrygian: the b2 is the signature — use it for dark, exotic flavour
- Lydian: the #4 is dreamy and bright — use for floating, ethereal solos
- Locrian is unstable by nature — use it over half-diminished chords briefly
- You don't need to use modes all the time — they're colours to add when appropriate
Practice Exercises
- Play E Phrygian over an Em or E power chord — hear the Spanish darkness
- Play F Lydian over an Fmaj7 — hear the floating, dreamlike quality
- Play all 7 modes from the same root note (C) to compare their characters
- Solo over a backing track and try switching modes mid-solo for colour changes