Hi all, I had a question about the Major Scale three-note-per-string system (vid 5 in 'Music Theory 1'). In it, Tyler gives multiple examples of how to work out any mode from a major scale – so if you want to play the fourth mode of G (C Lydian), you count up four notes in the G maj scale to get to C, and then follow the formula (Lydian, Phrygian, Dorian positions). The next example in the vid (at 08:01) is F# Locrian (the seventh mode of F#). Following the example above, you would think you would start from the seventh note of F# maj (E#) and play Locrian, Aeolian and Mixolydian. But Tyler starts from F# 🤯... Am I missing something completely obvious here? If someone can help an old-timer, not new to guitar but trying to get a handle on theory, I'd be hugely grateful 👍
First off, this is a very common confusion point for people learning theory. So you're not alone and it's not necessarily obvious!
The mistake you're making is conflating F# maj and F# Locrian. Remember that F# Locrian is the seventh mode of the G major scale, not a mode of F# Major. It is a different set of notes than F# major. Just like you listed the fourth mode of G major as C Lydian because it's the fourth note in the G major scale, F# is the seventh note in the G major scale, therefore, it is the seventh mode of G. So you will start on that seventh note (F#) to begin the pattern. Use that Locrian pattern from that F# note, then begin the Aeolian pattern, then the Mixolydian pattern. This will complete that Locrian sound for you.
The starting point is more or less your root note. I do have a semantics preference different to Tyler that might at least clarify. He says that playing a mode of G is still the "key of G". While this is technically correct because it has the same notes, it isn't necessarily how you talk in the music world. If you're playing E minor for example. We say we're in the key of E minor. We don't say we're playing E minor in the key of G. E minor (Aeolian) would be the sixth mode of the G major scale. But if we always say "key of G" then it becomes confusing and it's hard to differentiate. We don't always use the modal name for describing keys, but we generally at least use the root and minor/major. Using C Lydian in the example above, I would say I'm playing in C major. A lead player would then listen to the chord progression to determine which of those major modes (Ionian, Lydian, or Mixolydian) they could play to sound good on top of the chords! This part will be something you start seeing as you continue through Tyler's course. But understanding his semantics are important to really benefit from the course. So remember that Key of G = all modes encompassed within that scale. Even if the root is a C like in Lydian, it used the same notes. This part is hard to wrap our minds around because it's the same thing, but different.. The reason it sounds different is that we're emphasizing different tonal checkpoints. We traverse the fretboard differently. We have different chords behind those same notes. There are many other factors to how it "sounds" versus what is actually played. It's fascinating.
Again, hopefully I helped some. If I wasn't clear about something, don't hesitate to ask a follow up!
Good luck!
Jamey – thank you so much for taking the time to explain this. Having re-read through my question and your answer (and re-watching the vid), what you said makes sense. It seems to be as simple as Tyler not saying – 'How about F# Locrian – the seventh mode of G Major'. Instead he just says 'How about F# Locrian' and then plays it. Playing F# Locrian using the 3-note-per-string system is pretty straightforward, but it was the 'why' that threw me – 'why is he playing F# Locrian, what does that relate to?'
I also get that I was conflating F# maj and F# Locrian.... 🙄
When you're trying to learn this stuff from videos, having the simplest instruction repeated – however 'obvious' to those in the know – can be a big help!
Thank you again 👍
Awesome! Glad I could help clarify!
Sometimes, even simple concepts in music theory sound complicated at first.
Don't hesitate to post more questions if you get stumped on something. I'm no master like Tyler, but I'll help wherever I can!