The only thing I know is I hate Modes. Dont think about them, dont even get to know them by their greek names. I beat myself up for months learning the Major scales and then had to learn the INVERSION of a major scale or a MODE. What you are doing is just moving up the major scale one or more steps depending on the mode your looking at. In the Key of C major, as everyone likes, we might start on the 6th or Aeolian, which is A and still play through the C Major scale, A to A. Each mode covers the chromatic scale. They are a DERIVATIVE of the "parent" or Major scale. Get to know all the Major scales. The modes follow those scales, same fingering pattern, just move up a step for Dorian or more for the mode you are looking for. And remember most of the Major scales are movable. Thinking of a mode as a derivative of a major scale is quite easy if you know how to play movable major scales and can name each note played. For example, in the key of E major, the 3rd is G#, if you play the E Major scale starting on the G# and ending on G#, then you just played G# Phrygian mode. You didnt have to learn any new scales and you can impress all your friends by wailing through all the modes of a key without actually doing anything new. When you get into Parallel modes and Altered Scales, then you'll have to start paying attention, but that is a few years down the road when you have already memorized and can play the Major scales backwards and forwards and sideways if need be. They are not that hard and if you follow the "clock" and all the info Kirk has here, nothing will be a suprise to you. I know I didnt add much to what was already here, but just wanted to let everyone know how simple and easy modes can be. I still hate them, but they can be useful. Just dont get caught up in the names.
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