Practicing modes in reverse (high to low)

[Daniel L.]

In this video Adam Nitti talks about practicing modes in reverse. He starts on his high C and plays high to low then back. Should I be thinking thinking Ionian (assuming key of C)? Is that the easiest way to approach it?

http://bassplayer.tv/index.html?req=...nitti/anitti10

[DocBop]

I took some of Adam's classes in the past what he is talking about is most people learn scales, modes, arpeggios and other fingering patterns from the low root up. He is talking about learning where the high root is and playing down.

You listen to a lot of beginning improvisors on fingerboard instruments you hear them jumping down to change scales or etc. By practicing from high root down you will more likely be close to root of next scale or etc.

[mutedeity]

He is talking about starting with the octave of the mode and playing down and then returning up to that first note. Note that he plays through the lower octave as well. He started with Ionian and then moved to Dorian and so on. You really need to understand how modes are relative to get what he is doing there.

[Daniel L.]

I understand what he's saying. My confusion is in how I should think about it. If I'm on 12th fret G string and want to move from high to low should I be thinking mixolydian (5th degree of C)?

[onlyclave]

I think you're asking "What scale am I playing if I'm starting on this high note" and the example you give is G. There is no wrong way to think about it because that G could be the top of a G major scale (if you want) and then play down and back up on G major.

I think what Adam Nitti is trying to say although indirectly is a large percentage of phrases of improvised solos are descending lines (here comes the flame wars but do some transcribing and see for yourself) and he is telling you to practice that way.

If you really want to work out your brain, start on that top G and make it the _9th_ of whatever scale you're working on (in that example, F major). Play down to the root (G F E D C Bb A G F) and then back up to the 9th. Next go to Bb (I believe in practicing in the circle of 4ths. Harmonies move through 4ths more than they do 5ths) and do the same thing starting on C.

As far as learning and practicing your modes, practice what you don't know. That means start on the more obtuse sounding modes like locrian, phrygian and lydian. Since there are only 7 major modes if you practice one per day you will have covered them all in a week. And don't forget to practice them in all 12 keys, starting on F#.

Have fun but don't forget that modes are simply a means to an end.

[tbone0813]

Is he playing:

High-------->Low--------->High
C D E F G A B C B A G F E D C

Or

High-------->Low--------->High
C B A G F E D C D E F G A B C

I really can't tell.

[Daniel L.]

Originally Posted by onlyclave

I think you're asking "What scale am I playing if I'm starting on this high note" and the example you give is G.

Yes, that's what I was trying to ask. Probably could have worded it better. But, I think I understand it now.