what notes for this progression?

[streetknight]

Hey guys...I put a chord progression in my looper..ADEA

I did this to practice Modes, this progression for Ionian

So, am I right that 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 are the notes in that scale?

I've been jamming away for 30 minutes and using the R, 5, b7, and octave, but that would be for a minor key wouldn't it? I thought it was sounding good...But shouldn't I be using the 7 instead of the b7 in a major key? I'm trying the same line I was playing but using the 7 and it sounds awful...what am I missing here?

[HolmeBass]

b7 and 7 don't define major or minor, the 3rd does. That's a good bass riff. The major 7 is actually more dissonant/tension causing than the b7, even though it has a "pretty" sound. The major 7 of A (G#) is going to clash pretty vigorously with the D chord, but sound very pretty with the E chord. That root-5-b7-octave pattern is bass playing gold though, a work-horse approach used often because it works well.

[streetknight]

Thanks SO much...looking at my mode chart the b7 is in the Mixolydian mode. Basically my teacher gave me a chord progression for each Mode to practice over and come up with my own lines. All in the key of A.

Ionian-A D E A
Dorian-Amin7 D9
Phrygian- Am Bb C Bb
Lydian- A B
Mixolydian- A G
Aeolian- Am G F G
Locrian- Adim Gm

So, I'm a little confused lol

[MalcolmAmos]

Picking up bits and pieces of modal stuff off a forum is confusing to say the least. Here is something that may help. What are Modes used For? - iBreatheMusic Forums

[Already In Use]

Playing above and below the root adds nice flavor..Same intervals.

[dmrogers]

The R, 5, b7, and octave riff is a very solid and safe one to use. You can hear it in tons of rock hits.

I would suggest trying variations on the above riff:

R, Octave, b7, 5, b7 For instance. See if this doesn't sound somewhat familiar.

Discovery is fun!

[mambo4]

wheee modes...I am coming to believe that they are more confusing than useful.

Using the major 7 of A (G#) should sound OK over the A and E chords.
It will sound bad over the D chord, since G# is the tritone(aka flat 5) of D.
Try all of the notes in A major (Ionian) instead of just 1 5 7

Just to add confusion, I'll point out that those chord progressions are not in the key of A, except the first one.
They are still "scales that start on A"
but that is very different than being "in the key of A."
Same root note + different mode = different key.