Duration: 7:12 · 1080p Stream
Master video playlist mapped. Ready for batch offline download to media/videos/improv101-6-6.mp4.
Put the modes to work over six backing tracks built on the modes of G major (G Ionian, A Dorian, B Phrygian, C Lydian, D Mixolydian, E Aeolian). Start simple — just the matching major or minor pentatonic scale, trusting your ear and the rule that you're never more than one note from something that sounds good — then fold in the two color notes for the full modal sound, using them selectively to stay lyrical. Phrasing, dynamics, and expressive bends are the real focus here; downloadable tracks are included.
What follows is this lesson’s section of the Course Guide — you can read it here or in the full guide →
This module includes backing tracks for the six pentatonic-based modes of G major: G Ionian, A Dorian, B Phrygian, C Lydian, D Mixolydian, and E Aeolian.
When improvising over these backing tracks, don’t worry about what chords are in the chord progressions or about targeting chord tones. This type of musical setting provides an excellent opportunity to use your ears. If you accidentally emphasize a note you don’t like, the next note higher or lower in the scale is likely to sound better.
Throughout all of these exercises, focus on phrasing, dynamics, and expression. If you find yourself focusing too much on which notes are in the scale, spend some more time with the exercises from 6-5.
Exercise 1: Improvise freely over the modal backing tracks. Use the corresponding major pentatonic scale for the G Ionian, C Lydian, and D Mixolydian modes, and use the corresponding minor pentatonic scale for the others.
Exercise 2: Improvise over each of the modal backing tracks using a single pentatonic rectangle or stack and filling in the “hidden in plain sight” notes for the appropriate mode.
Exercise 3: Improvise over each of the modal backing tracks using a complete 6-string pentatonic pattern, filling in the “hidden in plain sight” notes for the appropriate mode. Try focusing on the pentatonic scale and use the extra notes selectively as additional color.
Exercise 4: Repeat Exercise 3, but move freely around the fretboard using all of the pentatonic techniques you’ve learned.
G Ionian
G · 94 BPM · 4 chords · 10.2s loop
The first of the six modal loops. For these, you can ignore the chord changes and just focus on playing the notes of the mode.
The other five modal tracks are in the Jam Track Player alongside this one: A Dorian, B Phrygian, C Lydian, D Mixolydian, and E Aeolian.
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