Beginning Modal Improvisation

If you’re just diving into the world of improvising with modes, it’s likely that you have a lot of questions. What is a mode, and how is it different from a key? How do you know what mode to use for soloing? What is the theory behind modes? We have a guest expert on modal improvisation to answer all of these burning questions – and more…

Brian from Zombie Guitar here! Firstly, I wanted to say a thank you to Adam, Musical U’s Communications Manager, who has given me the opportunity to do a guest post for Musical U.

The topic of this lesson is beginning modal improvisation. This lesson is going to be divided into three parts:

Part one: What the goal of using a mode, as opposed to just playing within a key?

Part two: Fretboard applications of modes. (We’re going to take a look at the minor pentatonic scale, and how to add notes to it in order to essentially create either the Aeolian mode or the Dorian mode.)

Part three: The theory behind modes and when to use them
So with that said, let’s get started: http://musl.ink/modalimprov

About Brian: Brian is the creator of the Zombie Guitar and the Zombie Guitar Improv Course, which teaches players how to visualize and approach the fretboard, and apply music theory to the guitar to create incredible licks, phrases, and solos. A guitarist with over 24 years of playing under his belt, Brian has been the lead guitarist of Philadelphia-based cover band Fish Out of Water for the last 10 years.

Get more from Brian at Zombie Guitar: https://www.zombieguitar.com/

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