Discovered the 'modes' and I'm confused....

[Les Fret]

And ... even notes outside of the key can identify as diatonic if they want to. lol

How is that?

 

[Core Creek]

A similar video transformed my soloing (on guitar) about a decade ago.



It really changed my walking bass lines as well, and turned me into a much better player overall.

 

[Dang75]

How is that?

It was a joke referencing a previous comment

Seriously though, IME there are only 7 diatonic notes per key, however, music is a wonderful thing and just because a note isn't in key doesn't always mean that it won't fit or sound good. There are chromatic phrases and other harmonic tools that sound great outside of the key and in the right context.

 

[Les Fret]

It was a joke referencing a previous comment

Seriously though, IME there are only 7 diatonic notes per key, however, music is a wonderful thing and just because a note isn't in key doesn't always mean that it won't fit or sound good. There are chromatic phrases and other harmonic tools that sound great outside of the key and in the right context.

Sure thing! It all depends on the context.

 

[Whousedtoplay]

My biggest confusion about the Modes is this:
"How is it possible that the Modes are SO confusing for so many bass players at TalkBass?"

 

[Dang75]

My biggest confusion about the Modes is this:
"How is it possible that the Modes are SO confusing for so many bass players at TalkBass?"

The trick is to make things seem as complicated as possible. That way you can feel smug.

 

[Slade N]

My biggest confusion about the Modes is this:
"How is it possible that the Modes are SO confusing for so many bass players at TalkBass?"

Because of how its presented, trying to explain too much/not concise enough to be digestible and/or having lack of clarity in the explanations. Like any subject.

Just because you know a thing doesnt mean that you know how to teach that thing.

 

[mambo4]

My biggest confusion about the Modes is this:
"How is it possible that the Modes are SO confusing for so many bass players at TalkBass?"

I think it's because the mechanics of fingering / construction is very easy to teach, but Modes are often presented with a promise (master the fret board! or understand the secrets of harmony). This promise can only be fulfilled by long study, practice and listening -and modes are not the only road to such understanding (nor the most efficient IMHO)

At the end of the day modes are scales and their use is no different than any scale:
Know its sound, play it when you want that sound.

The way you "master the fret board" with modes is the same as with any other scale:
practice all keys, all positions, know the names of the notes you are playing.

The way you understand harmony is the same as with any scale:
know which notes are chord tones and which are not,
know how chords are constructed from a scale.

It's only 7 notes in various combinations. Some players feel they gain a lot of useful insight through modes, but I find it ultimately no different than understanding harmony or the fretboard through a deep dive into the major scale.

 

[Groove Master]

I would say : Too many bass players are not playing the piano. Simple as that.

Those who know, they know !!

 

[Les Fret]

At the end of the day modes are scales and their use is no different than any scale:
Know its sound, play it when you want that and their use is no different than any scale:
Know its sound, play it when you want that sound.

This is very true. Modes are not complicated at all. Modes are just a sound. Most people know the theory but just don’t know how to apply it. That makes it vague and elusive for them. Once you really know how it sounds the mystery is solved.