Modes and Moods; It Makes You Think…………

[Jonathan Dowell]

Okay, I'm alittle lost.................do you have to tune differently to play in the different modes? Such as, say I'm tuned in DAD but I want to play in another mode other then mixolydian can I do that with out returning?

Not necessarily. All you really do is start the scale at a different spot. Retuning does this, but so does using a capo without retuning.

For example, DAD capo 1 starts the scale at the first fret rather than open, changing the scale from D (major or mixolydian) to E (minor).

[Jim Woods]

Okay, I'm alittle lost.................do you have to tune differently to play in the different modes? Such as, say I'm tuned in DAD but I want to play in another mode other then mixolydian can I do that with out returning?

From a single tuning (without using a capo) you get only 2 modes, one if you use the 6th fret, the other if you use the 6 1/2. For instance, in DAD you have the Mixolydina (using the 6 fret) or the Ionian (using the 6 1/2). If you capo at the first fret (or you tune DAC) you get the Dorian (using the 6 1/2) or the Aoelian (using the 6).

[Steven K. Smith]

Okay, I'm alittle lost.................do you have to tune differently to play in the different modes? Such as, say I'm tuned in DAD but I want to play in another mode other then mixolydian can I do that with out returning?

If you capo at 1 from DAD tuning, you can play an Aeolian scale with the proper drones on your dulcimer using the 6 fret in the scale. If you use the 6+ fret you get the Dorian mode.

other pairs as you go up the fret board with your capo are

2nd Locrian/Phrygian
3rd Ionian/Lydian
4th Dorian/Mixolydian
5th Phrygian/Aeolian
6th Lydian/Locrian(starting on 6+ rather than 6)

[stephenseifert]

If you're new to this stuff, please realize what a difference it makes whether you're using the 6 or the 6.5.

ALSO, there's a very easy way to experience this stuff without understanding the theory. If this stuff is driving you mad, there's a method Jerry Rockwell and I have used to make this stuff real and fun.

[Jessica Comeau]

Lists are excellent! Thank you!

[stephenseifert]

Jonathan reminds me, take the capo to each alternate tuning and the modes will surround you!

[stephenseifert]

Thanks all for the 60 minute vacation. I love this stuff, not the talking about it, but the playing of it. Back to work for me!

[Jeff Hames]

well everyone its nine o'clock and the forum is now closing

Thanks again everyone for making this another great one!!!!

I really learned alot in this past hour, im still very new at all this mode stuff

Thanks again and see you next month!

[stephenseifert]

Thanks, Jeff. You rock!

[Shelley]

Thanks Jeff! Now that my head is spinning I think I'll have that drink now!

Night!

[MS Folk Music Society]

Thanks for all the great information everyone. It's a big help!

MFMS

[Jeff Hames]

Thanks Jeff! Now that my head is spinning I think I'll have that drink now!

Night!

haha well alrighty then hehe

[jcrdulci]

Okay, I'm alittle lost.................do you have to tune differently to play in the different modes? Such as, say I'm tuned in DAD but I want to play in another mode other then mixolydian can I do that with out returning?

From a single tuning (without using a capo) you get only 2 modes, one if you use the 6th fret, the other if you use the 6 1/2. For instance, in DAD you have the Mixolydina (using the 6 fret) or the Ionian (using the 6 1/2). If you capo at the first fret (or you tune DAC) you get the Dorian (using the 6 1/2) or the Aoelian (using the 6).

I play in D ionian E dorian, A mixolydian, and B aeolian all the time without a capo --- I'm just holding down the root and 5th of the home mode I want, or else I'm harmonizing the mode with the natural, indigenous chords -- which are the low-hanging fruit: they are everywhere. Its the same chords you know and love.

[Ken Bloom]

For those looking at this again, there is a difference between a mode and a scale. The modes are derived FROM the scale. In any seven note scale you can derive seven different modes as long as the intervals of that scale are not symmetrical as is true of our common major scale. This is a simple distinction but an important one of we are all suppose to actually understand what each is saying. The language of music is rather precise. It would be good to consult a musical dictionary for definitions or just check out Groves if you want ALL (and I do mean all) the information.

Ken Bloom
http://www.boweddulcimer.com