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The Modes of the Major Scale: The First Thing You Need to Know to Master the Guitar.
Module 1: Introduction
What are modes?
Difference between scales and modes
Historical context
Why modes matter for modern guitarists
Teaser: Algorithmic + 3NPS system
John Esposito story (logic & shapes as a system)
Course roadmap
Hands-On (Lab): play Ionian → Aeolian in one 3NPS shape over a drone; hear the contrast
Module 2: The Big Picture
Parent major scale → 7 modes
Mode formulas & families
Relative vs. parallel modal views
Circle of Modes: Minimum-change (smooth, one-note differences)
Circle of Modes: Maximum-change (most contrast)
Hands-On (Lab): cycle all 7 modes algorithmically over a drone and Circle Jam Track
Module 3: The 3-Notes-Per-String System (Core Pillar)
Why 3NPS is the foundation of the course
Building all 7 shapes
Linking across the neck
Triad overlays inside 3NPS
CAGED overlays as reinforcement
Hands-On (Lab): run all 7 3NPS shapes in C major; test them over our 'One-Chord Groove' jam track
Module 4: Hearing the Modes (Contextual Practice)
Characteristic sounds of each mode
Modal moods (Lydian dreamy, Dorian funky, Phrygian dark, etc.)
Progressions that highlight each mode
Contextual practice with proprietary jam tracks — each mode gets its own custom groove
Ear training & 'modal mood swaps' over the same vamp
Hands-On (Lab): improvise on Mixolydian Jam Track; target chord tones first, then characteristic tones
Module 4A: Metaphors & Modal Imagination
Colors & palettes: each note as a color, each mode as a palette
Emotions & moods: Ionian = happy, Dorian = hopeful, Phrygian = tense, etc.
Gravity & architecture: chord tones = pillars, guide tones = beams, tendency tones = gravity wells
Light & dark spectrum: Ionian = daylight, Locrian = midnight
Character metaphors: Lydian the dreamer, Mixolydian the rebel, etc.
Cultural/geographic imagery: Phrygian = flamenco/Spain, Dorian = Celtic, Mixolydian = blues, etc.
Narrative framework: the 7 modes as chapters in a story cycle
Hands-On (Lab): improvise in one mode while naming aloud its metaphor, then switch modes and contrast
Module 5: Modes in Depth
Ionian: formula, flavor, vamps, examples, Note Roles & Tensions, Hands-On (Lab)
Dorian: formula, flavor, vamps, examples, Note Roles & Tensions, Hands-On (Lab)
Phrygian: formula, flavor, vamps, examples, Note Roles & Tensions, Hands-On (Lab)
Lydian: formula, flavor, vamps, examples, Note Roles & Tensions, Hands-On (Lab)
Mixolydian: formula, flavor, vamps, examples, Note Roles & Tensions, Hands-On (Lab)
Aeolian: formula, flavor, vamps, examples, Note Roles & Tensions, Hands-On (Lab)
Locrian: formula, flavor, vamps, examples, Note Roles & Tensions, Hands-On (Lab)
Module 5A: Note Roles Across All Modes
Comparative chart of roles & tensions
Audio comparisons across 3NPS positions
Hands-On (Lab): play one lick in all 7 modes using the Universal Modal Drone jam track, swapping in each characteristic tone
Module 6: Applying Modes in Improvisation
Constructing solos in 3NPS
Triad overlays in real time
Sequencing & motivic development
Modal interchange & shifting centers
Hands-On (Lab): 12-bar solo form: 4 bars Dorian → 4 bars Mixolydian → 4 bars Aeolian over proprietary jam tracks
Module 7: Algorithmic Practice Systems (Engine Room)
Mode sequencing: minimum-change & maximum-change orders
Tempo ladder: systematic progression (60 → 80 → 100 → 120 bpm)
Rhythmic subdivisions: quarters, triplets, sixteenths (plus quintuplets/septuplets)
Interval algorithms: 2nds → 7ths (every interval order)
Full integration: combine sequencing + tempo + subdivisions + intervals
Daily/weekly structures
Hands-On (Lab): pick one mode → run through tempo ladder + subdivisions + interval orders using Tempo-Trainer Jam Track
Module 8: Advanced Modal Concepts
Modal mixture in songwriting/improv
Superimposing modes over harmony
Parallel vs. relative perspectives
Symmetry & geometric practice
Sideslipping (±½ step)
Hands-On (Lab): sideslip one bar up/down, resolve over the Modal Fusion Jam Track
Module 9: Modes Beyond the Major Scale
Harmonic minor modes
Melodic minor modes
Exotic/global scales (Phrygian Dominant, Double Harmonic, etc.)
Map into 3NPS
Hands-On (Lab): Aeolian → Phrygian Dominant alternation over our 'Middle-Eastern Groove' jam track
Module 10: Modal Songwriting
Building songs from modal centers
Riffs/hooks from modal lines
Modal vs. tonal writing
Case studies
Hands-On (Lab): write an 8-bar riff in Lydian; play over 'Epic Lydian Rock' jam track
Module 11: Modal Improvisation in Context
Rock jams
Funk vamps
Jazz ii–V–I substitutions
Fusion/modal mixture
Adapting in band/live settings
Hands-On (Lab): play over 'Style-Shift Jam Pack' (funk, jazz, rock); adjust modal approach in real time
Module 12: Modal Creativity & Expansion
Excluded-note pentatonics (out playing)
Rootless superimposed modes (5 extra colors per mode)
Algorithmic circle progressions
Target-tone games
Études & solos
Jam-track creativity exercises
Hands-On (Lab): improvise with excluded pentatonics → switch to rootless modes → resolve, all over the Outside/Inside Jam Track
Module 13: Conclusion & Next Steps
Recap: 3NPS + Algorithmic Practice as foundation
Keeping modes alive daily
Expanding into melodic minor, harmonic minor, pentatonics, exotic systems
Proprietary Jam Track Library: roadmap for continued use
Hands-On (Lab): record a capstone solo using three jam tracks: one inside, one outside, one rootless
Module 14: S.T.R.A.P.™ Belt System (Optional Capstone)
What S.T.R.A.P. Is (Overview)
Strap Ladder: Modes ↔ Colors ↔ Tempos ↔ Exercises ↔ Improv
Degrees per Strap (1–7 Interval Paths: orientation, 2nds, 3rds, 4ths, 5ths, 6ths, 7ths)
Required Positions & Subdivisions (≥3 positions: 3NPS + CAGED; 4s & 3s, add 16ths later)
Practice Protocol & Jam Tracks (10-minute runs; one tempo per run; all 12 keys)
Submission Guide (video with visible BPM; title template)
Community Adjudication (Facebook group process; mentor/peer voting)
Promotion Rubric & Passing Rules (timing, accuracy, coverage, positions, musicality)
Strap Badges & Hall of Fame (assets and recognition)
Safety & Technique Notes
Downloads & Checklists (belt trackers, judge scorecards, submission template)
Outtakes
Introduction and Thank You! (8:33)
Why the Modes? (6:10)
A Quick Demonstration of the Power of the Modes (8:29)
How to Practice - Process and Philosopy (14:58)
How to Practice - Technical Aspects (16:30)
How to Practice - Improvisation - MASSIVELY IMPORTANT (12:16)
3 Notes Per String Scale Shapes Intro - Why We Learn These First (7:56)
Scale Shape #1 (22:38)
Scale Shape #2 (6:49)
Scale Shape #3 (11:03)
Scale Shape #4 (1:58)
Scale Shape #5 (2:45)
Scale Shape #6 (3:34)
Scale Shape #7 (3:23)
(OLD) Introduction and Thank You! (5:11)
First Mode Shape and Rainbow Analogy Demonstration (25:55)
The Language of Music on the Guitar (14:53)
The Construction of the Modes and Intro to Ionian Mode (11:13)
3 Notes Per String: Why do we recommend this? (9:14)
The First Scale Shape and the Initial Exercise (18:30)
This is exactly how I practice...really! (7:13)
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Colors & palettes: each note as a color, each mode as a palette
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