Vast Unseen Realm: Medieval Modes

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Vast Unseen Realm

The Seven Medieval Modesl
Listed in descending order, from the darkest (Locrian) to the brightest (Ionian).
Notice the unique position of the "Fifth" in the Locrian.

LOCRIAN:
AEOLIAN:
MIXOLYDIAN:
LYDIAN:
PHRYGIAN:
DORIAN:
IONIAN:

Color Key:l

Yellow = Root: Also known as the Tonic Note.

Red = Fifth: Also known as the Dominant Note.

Green = All other notes occurring in the mode.

The Seven Medieval Modes In Movable Forml
Listed in descending order, from the darkest (Locrian) to the brightest (Ionian).
Simply locate the Root note at the key required for the solo or chord progression.

L O C R I A N

E
B
G
D
A
E

The Locrian mode on 1 string:

Once forbidden by the Roman Catholic Church for centuries, it is by far the darkest sounding mode. This is due to the location of the fifth. With the exception of a few classical composers, this mode was virtually unused until 1970, when Black Sabbath introduced its dark sound to the world of hard rock.

Metal Rating: 7

A E O L I A N

E
B
G
D
A
E

The Aeolian mode on 1 string:

Also known as the Minor Scale, it is by far the saddest sounding of the modes, and is perfect for conveying sorrow. This mode is one of the most widely used among Heavy Metal guitarists.

Metal Rating: 6

M I X O L Y D I A N

E
B
G
D
A
E

The Mixolydian mode on 1 string:

This mode has a very Southern Blues and Country flavor. Highly favored among Blues, Rockabilly and Southern Rock players.

Metal Rating: 5

L Y D I A N

E
B
G
D
A
E

The Lydian mode on 1 string:

This mode has a light, open-air flavor, heavily used by John Scofield, Eric Johnson and Steve Vai. Also widely used in Country, Fusion and Jazz.

Metal Rating: 4

P H R Y G I A N

E
B
G
D
A
E

The Phrygian mode on 1 string:

Also known as the flamenco mode because of its Spanish sound. It is most often used in Jazz, Fusion, Flamenco and some times even Speed Metal.

Metal Rating: 3

D O R I A N

E
B
G
D
A
E

The Dorian mode on 1 string:

This mode is most often used in Blues/Rock, Fusion and Jazz because of its progressive and soulful feel.

Metal Rating: 2

I O N I A N

E
B
G
D
A
E

The Ionian mode on 1 string:

Also known as the Major Scale, it is the most widely used of the seven modes in all other forms of music. However, because of its bright and happy sound, it is the least often used in the composition of metal leads and chord progressions.

Metal Rating: 2

The Forbidden Triad In Movable Form
Derived from the darkest mode (Locrian), these three notes were also forbidden by the
church for centuries. They are the foundation in the composition of all dark sounding metal.

T R I A D

E
B
G
D
A
E

The Forbidden Triad on 1 string:

To purchase a full color 23" x 35" wall poster of the
"Medieval Modes & Secret Of The Forbidden Triad", CLICK HERE.

For entertainment purposes only.

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