How to Use Modes in Guitar Solos

Modes can add a whole new dimension to your guitar solos. They’re like spices in cooking—use them right, and you can transform a bland dish into something memorable. If your solos are feeling a bit samey, modes might just be the secret ingredient you need. Let’s break down how you can use modes to add color and character to your playing, especially in those heavy and aggressive metal subgenres you love.

Understanding Modes: Not Just for Jazz Cats

Modes might sound like something reserved for jazz musicians or classical theorists, but they’re actually quite approachable. Essentially, modes are scales derived from the major scale, each starting on a different note. If you already know your major scales, you’re halfway there.

There are seven modes, each with its unique flavor:

• Ionian: Also known as the major scale. Bright and happy.
• Dorian: A minor scale with a jazzy twist.
• Phrygian: Dark and Spanish-sounding, perfect for metal.
• Lydian: Dreamy and ethereal.
• Mixolydian: Major with a bit of blues swagger.
• Aeolian: The natural minor scale, moody and dark.
• Locrian: Diminished and unsettling, often used for tension.

In metal, Phrygian and Aeolian are your best friends, but don’t be afraid to experiment with the others. Each mode lends itself to a different mood or vibe, which can drastically change the feel of your solo.

Phrygian Mode: The Dark Horse

Phrygian mode is often the go-to for metal guitarists. Its dark, mysterious sound fits perfectly with the genre’s themes. The mode is characterized by a half-step between the first and second notes, giving it that exotic feel.

Let’s take a look at how you might use Phrygian in a solo:

• Start with a root note (say E) and play the Phrygian scale: E, F, G, A, B, C, D.
• Emphasize the flat 2nd (F) to get that haunting sound.
• Use palm muting for a percussive effect, accentuating the scale’s moodiness.

Experiment with Phrygian in your solos, perhaps by starting with a simple melody and gradually building complexity. This mode pairs well with heavy riffs, making it an excellent choice for creating tension before a breakdown.

Dorian Mode: A Minor Twist

Dorian mode is another minor scale, but with a raised 6th that adds a unique twist. It’s less common in metal but can offer a fresh sound when used creatively.

Here’s how to incorporate Dorian into your solos:

• Choose a root note (like A) and play the Dorian scale: A, B, C, D, E, F#, G.
• Focus on the raised 6th (F#) to highlight the mode’s unique sound.
• Try combining Dorian with aggressive bends and slides to add dynamics.

Dorian can add a touch of sophistication to your solos, making them stand out in a mix of heavy riffs. It’s a great way to surprise listeners who might expect the typical minor sound.

Lydian Mode: Dreamy yet Powerful

Lydian mode is known for its dreamy, almost otherworldly sound. It has a sharp 4th that gives it a unique character, making it an intriguing choice for metal solos that need to soar.

Here’s how you can make Lydian work for you:

• Pick a root note (say G) and play the Lydian scale: G, A, B, C#, D, E, F#.
• Highlight the sharp 4th (C#) for that distinct Lydian sound.
• Use wide vibrato and sustain to let notes ring out, emphasizing the mode’s ethereal quality.

While Lydian might not be as aggressive as Phrygian or Aeolian, it can add a powerful lift to your solos, especially in progressive metal contexts where the unexpected is always welcome.

Mixolydian Mode: Bluesy and Bold

Mixolydian mode is a major scale with a flat 7th, giving it a bluesy edge. It’s often heard in rock and blues, but it can also add a bold flavor to metal solos.

To use Mixolydian effectively:

• Select a root note (like D) and play the Mixolydian scale: D, E, F#, G, A, B, C.
• Focus on the flat 7th (C) to bring out the mode’s bluesy feel.
• Combine it with aggressive phrasing and pinch harmonics for that extra bite.

Mixolydian can add a different kind of intensity to your solos, especially when mixed with fast picking techniques and dynamic shifts. It’s a great tool for adding contrast within heavier sections of a song.

Aeolian Mode: The Go-To Minor Scale

Aeolian mode, also known as the natural minor scale, is a staple in metal music. Its dark and moody character makes it a perfect fit for the genre.

Here’s how to use Aeolian in your solos:

• Choose a root note (like C) and play the Aeolian scale: C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb.
• Emphasize the minor third (Eb) and minor sixth (Ab) for that classic dark sound.
• Experiment with fast runs and arpeggios to add speed and intensity.

Aeolian is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from slow, emotive solos to fast, shredding passages. Its familiarity makes it a great starting point for improvisation.

Locrian Mode: For the Brave and Bold

Locrian mode is the black sheep of the modes, often considered dissonant and unsettling. Its diminished fifth (or flat 5th) creates tension, making it a bold choice for metal solos.

If you’re adventurous, here’s how you might use Locrian:

• Pick a root note (like B) and play the Locrian scale: B, C, D, E, F, G, A.
• Focus on the diminished fifth (F) to exploit the mode’s tension.
• Combine with chromatic runs for an even more chaotic effect.

While Locrian is challenging to use effectively, it can add an intense edge to your solos when used sparingly. It’s perfect for creating a sense of chaos or impending doom in your music.

Combining Modes for Dynamic Solos

Once you’re comfortable with individual modes, try combining them to create dynamic solos. Switching modes can keep the listener engaged and add depth to your playing.

Here are a few tips for combining modes:

• Start with a familiar mode (like Aeolian) and transition to a contrasting one (like Lydian) to surprise your audience.
• Use a common note between modes to create smooth transitions.
• Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your style.

Combining modes is a powerful way to expand your musical vocabulary and create solos that are both complex and captivating. It allows you to tell a story with your music, moving through different emotions and atmospheres.

Practical Tips for Mastering Modes

Learning modes can feel overwhelming at first, but with practice, they’ll become a natural part of your playing. Here are some practical tips to get you started:

• Practice each mode in different keys: This helps you become comfortable with their shapes and sounds.
• Use a metronome: Keep your timing sharp and improve your technique.
• Record yourself: Listen back to identify areas for improvement and track your progress.

At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the best metal guitarists in the world, focusing on techniques that make using modes much easier and more intuitive. Our custom metronome and interactive lessons can help you practice effectively.

Final Thoughts

Modes are a fantastic way to broaden your musical horizon and breathe new life into your solos. By exploring the unique characteristics of each mode, you can add depth and variety to your playing. With practice and experimentation, you’ll find the right mix of modes that resonate with your style. At Riffhard, we offer resources and lessons to help you integrate these concepts smoothly into your metal guitar journey. Happy shredding!