What are modes and how do I use them?

[Richard Lindsey]

Thanks now I understand it, now just to learn the actually intervals of each mode.

IMO it's better for learning purposes to do this from the same starting note--i.e., D ionian, D lydian, D mixolydian, D dorian, etc. That will cement the differences in the intervals and the resulting sounds better. You can branch out from there as you need to.

 

[Krisfield]

Could someone explain the concept of modes to me since I have no clue what is meant with "modes" and what good they do...

Thanks.

Just like a painter has a palette of colors, a musician uses a palette of sound - modes, scales, and chords. The structure in which you use this palette is harmony, melody, and rhythm.

That's how I see it.

 

[Bruce Lindfield]

As can clearly be seen from this thread alone, modes can be confusing.

Just as long as you're saying something along the lines of:

"You can think of it as a major scale starting on a different step, for the time being. I could tell you the whole story right away, but then your head would explode. We'll get to that in due time".

Yup - that's the big point I think!