09 Apr 11 Learn Guitar Scales : Using the Mixolydian Mode For Powerful Guitar Solos

So you want to learn guitar scales and modes, but don’t know where to begin? Once you learn the pentatonic scales you can simply add two notes to create the seven modes of the major scale. Getting past the pentatonic scales is often the most challenging task for aspiring lead guitar players. But by knowing how to use the modes your solos will sound diverse and impressive. Let’s look at the Mixolydian mode as an example.

As you learn guitar scales, you will realise that a scale is a set of five to seven notes that is defined by the root note. The Mixolydian mode is formed by taking the major scale, and making the fifth note the new root note to start and finish on. The distinct steps or intervals of the major scale are retained, we just start and end on the fifth note. So we now create a new sounding scale called the Mixolydian mode.

If we look a little deeper, a mode can be more than just the first and last note of the scale. A mode contains a distinct set of intervals, and this actually defines the mode’s feel and sound, while the key that the mode is played in defines the exact notes contained.

The Mixolydian mode contains these notes: Root, major 2nd, major 3rd, major 4th, major 5th, major 6th, and flatted 7th. So, if this mode is played in the key of C major, the notes are: G, A, B, C, D, E, and F. The only difference between this mode and the G major scale, is that the major scale has an F sharp. This one note difference gives the Mixolydian mode a more “bluesy” sound by way of the flat 7th.

The term “key” describes the central note around which a piece of music is based. The mixolydian mode can be played over the G major chords in the key of C major or its relative minor : A minor. The mode can also be applied to a solo or lead break where G is the tonic centre or key in itself.

This mode is often used in rock music to give a solo a melodic, powerful, and bright feel. As an example; Slash, from the original line up of Guns n Roses used this mode for his first two solos in “Sweet Child O Mine”. Jazz guitar players often use the Mixolydian Mode to solo over a chord progression. This mode is applied to many different genres or styles of music.

When you learn guitar scales, be sure to check out the modes. The Mixolydian mode will help your solos stand out from the common pentatonic solos.

Learn to play your very own great sounding guitar solos in the next 7 days and truly amaze your family and friends! ((Even if you are new to soloing)) Click here – Learn Guitar Scales to receive your FREE soloing guide not available anywhere else. This guide will help you master Pentatonic Guitar Scales in no time at all, utilising the same techniques as professional guitar players use.

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