Help with chords

[Fry]

Ok, I have been playing for under 2 years, but i have all my modes and scales down. (ok, only minor pentatonic and the major scale , but currently learning the others). The only problem is that i just realized that I dont know anything about chords. I mean I know all the basic stuff like how to play them in all the positions, but I am having a hard time using modes with chords. Like what chords should i be using with what modes?

[screamndemon69]

since you already know your major scale(s), this shouldn't be too hard. for the most part, chords are MAJOR, MINOR, DOMINANT and DIMINSHED. there are many more chords and types - but lets keep it simple.
if a chord is major, use : ionian (1st dgree of a major scale), lydian (4th degree of a major scale) or pentatonic major. (just for simplicity)
if a chord is minor, use : aeolian (6th dgree of a major scale), dorian (2nd degree of a major scale), phrygian (3rd dgree of a major scale) or pentatonic minor - of course the minor blues scale as well.
if a chord is dominant, use : mixolydian (5th degree of a major scale)
NOTE: there are lots more options available, i just wanted to show you a few to get you started.
if you already know your major scale, you already know your MODES. just start on a different note (degree) of the major scale to acheive the different modes. ie; "C" major scale starting on the 2nd note of that scale- "D" and playing up to the next "D" is the DORIAN MODE.
if you memorize this - it should help:
I = major (1st note of major scale and a coinciding major chord starting on the same note) IONIAN (mode name)
ii = minor (2nd note of a major scale and a coinciding minor chord starting on the same note.) DORIAN (mode name)
iii = minor (3rd note of a major scale and a coinciding minor chord starting on the same note.) PHRYGIAN (mode name)
IV = major (4th note and a coinciding major chord starting on the same note.) LYDIAN (mode name)
V = dominant (5th note a coinciding major chord starting on the same note if you are using a triad) MIXOLYDIAN (mode name)
vi = minor- natural minor (6th note of a major scale and a coinciding minor chord starting on the same note.) AEOLIAN (mode name)
vii = diminished (7th note of a major scale and a coinciding diminished chord starting on the same note.) LOCRIAN (mode name)
this is a very BASIC formula for where the modes are found, what sound they have and which scales and chords are good basic starting points. email if you are still unsure.. hope this helps!
Todd
screamnjem77@yahoo.com

[Cordokiller]

Beside the good information that the friend above has gave to you, you should know a couple of scales more and thier uses...

Harmonic minor:

Just like Aeonian but whit a mayor 7th, because of this Mayor 7th, the V grade of this scale is a Dominant cord, so you have two scales more

Melodic minor:

This has a mayor 7th and a mayor 6th, sound like Minor-mayor
This two scales has thier own number of modes and there are a few of
this modes can be used and are used for a lot for guitar players in all kind
music stiles ( even rock )

Minor chord: ( all the other also ), Harmonic minor, melodic minor
Mayor chord (dominath ): "mixolidian b6/b9"-"Prygian #3" ( 5th mode of harmonic minor ), "Dominanth lidian" ( 4th mode of melodic minor ), "Super locrian" ( 7th mode of melodic minor )

[Fry]

Thanks for all the input guys, that helped a lot. I was a bit confused on what modes to use with what chords. Thanks!

[screamndemon69]

i hope that helps- and thanks- your welcome!
chords are just made up from using every other note of a scale/mode.
ie;
C major scale = c d e f g a b c
to make a "c" major chord from this scale (I), just start with "c" and use every other note
C-E-G = c major triad
for the 2nd (ii) chord (d minor), it would be : D-F-A = d minor triad
memorize the "circle of fifths" to help with key signatures (it's really easy and has an easy pattern to remember!)
extended chords like "7th" chords or "9th" chords are made from just continuing to use every other note.
ie; C-E-G-B = c major 7th chord
ie; D-F-A-C = d minor 7th chord
ie; C-E-G-B-D = c major 7th chord with the "9th" on the top
glad this helps. take care and be patient as theory is a process - not an event.