Modes - Understanding Musical Modes (With Examples)

Modes are extremely powerful and yet modes are often overlooked by even the most experienced songwriters. I think that by understanding modes we can begin to recognise how careful placement of chords and melody can help us to invoke different emotions and feelings. Be careful though. Like with any other piece of dry theory, Im not sure if the best idea when writing a modern song is to sit down and force it into a certain mode unless you intend to experiment. Modes are one tool, and you wouldnt fix a toaster with a spatula.\r
\r
Modes are often used subtly - it is rare to find a modern example of music based solely around one mode (except major or minor). Modes can exist simply as a short phrase or as chords for a particular section, for instance. \r
\r
Whats worse is that modes are often overcomplicated; its fair to say that classically trained composers probably have a stronger understanding on average than your modern-day songwriter. If you understand where major and minor scales exist in respect to the diatonic scale then you are 90% on the way to understanding modes! Personally, I do not believe that modes are strictly about melody and scales, nor do I believe that they are only about harmony and tonality. The truth is that we can look at modes in many ways and that it doesnt really matter how we do, only that the end result is to benefit the music.\r
\r
Be sure to subscribe for more like this because things are going to keep getting better!\r
\r
Thank you and have a good day.