Master the Modes of the Guitar
Three interconnected tools to help you learn, visualize, and jam over every mode of the major scale and beyond.
The seven modes of the major scale — Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian — are the foundation of melodic guitar playing. Each mode has its own unique sound, from the bright optimism of Ionian to the dark tension of Locrian. Use the Scale Visualizer to see how each mode lays out on the fretboard, check the Scale Formulas to understand the theory, then fire up a Jam Track and put it all into practice. These free guitar practice tools are designed for students at Austin Guitar Lessons but available to guitarists everywhere.
Scale Formulas & Mode Reference
The theory behind every mode — click a mode name to load it in the visualizer.
| Mode | Root | Feeling | Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ionian | C | Bright, happy | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 | |
| Dorian | D | Soulful, funky | 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7 | |
| Phrygian | E | Dark, exotic | 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 | |
| Lydian | F | Dreamy, floating | 1 2 3 #4 5 6 7 | |
| Mixolydian | G | Bluesy, confident | 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7 | |
| Aeolian | A | Sad, expressive | 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 | |
| Locrian | B | Tense, unstable | 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7 | |
| Harmonic Minor | A | Dark classical | 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7 | |
| Melodic Minor | A | Jazz-fusion | 1 2 b3 4 5 6 7 |
Free Guitar Jam Tracks by Mode
Select a track, press Launch, and improvise over real backing tracks in every mode.
Ionian
Bright C Major — pure confidence.
Dorian
Soulful D Dorian — minor meets major.
Phrygian
Dark, Spanish-influenced. Flat 2 — instant drama.
Lydian
Dreamy raised 4th — floats above it all.
Mixolydian
Dominant 7th swagger — blues-rock power.
Aeolian
The natural minor sound — cool, dark groove.
Locrian
Diminished root — handle with care.
Harmonic Minor
Raised 7th — classical tension, rock energy.
Phrygian Dominant
The exotic 5th mode of Harmonic Minor — metal & neo-classical staple.
Melodic Minor
Jazz fusion staple — smooth minor with a major edge.
Coming Soon
New mode arriving soon.
Asymmetrical
Angular intervals — aggressive, dissonant, no resolution.
Reference Library
Scale PDFs from unpublished Axesense Method volumes — scales, modes, chords, triads, arpeggios, and blank fretboard sheets. Everything here is free.
Axesense PDFs (Unpublished Volumes 2 & 3)
These diagrams were created for Axesense Books 2 and 3, which were never published. Download them free — scales, modes, chords, triads, arpeggios, and blank fretboard sheets.
Modes & Scales
- Ionian (Major)
- Dorian
- Phrygian
- Lydian
- Mixolydian
- Aeolian (Minor)
- Locrian
- Aeolian Dominant
- Lydian Dominant
- Harmonic Minor
- Melodic Minor
Pentatonics
Scale References & Worksheets
- Scales Main
- Scale Diagram
- Scale Formulas
- Scale Exercise 1
- Scale Exercise 2
- Scale Exercise 3
- Scale Blank (Worksheet)
7th Chords
- Seven Chords Overview
- 7th Chords — 4th String Root
- 7th Chords — 5th String Root
- 7th Chords — 6th String Root
- 7th Chord Inversions — 6th String Root
- 7th Chords Merged Reference
Triads
- Triads Part 1
- Triads Part 2
- Triads Part 3
- Triads Part 4
- Triads Part 5
- Triad Inversions
- Triad Inversions 2
- Triad Inversions Reference
Compound 7th Arpeggios
Fretboard & Chord Charts
CAGED Forms & Other
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Everything on this page is 100% free. If it helped you see the fretboard differently, consider supporting us:
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