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"Rocky" modes?
Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 6:09 pm
by Supernaut
Which of the modes is quite rocky? For example, apparently Dorian is more of a jazz style mode. Which could I use to test out during improvisation and stuff, without making the song sound like a jazz number?
Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 2:59 pm
by Paul Wolfe
Randy Rhoads often used Dorian and Aeolian modes. He also tended to like Harmonic Minor a lot.
The question is, are you looking for metal or rock playing ideas?
Dorian, Phrygian and Aeolian modes fit nicely with metal, where Ionian and the pentatonics work best for straight rock.
Check out Frank Gambale's DVD Modes: No More Mystery for a very good explanation of the modes and how to apply them.
Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 3:53 pm
by Ell
RockyRhoads knows his Rocky Modes, sorry, couldn't resist
Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 4:15 pm
by Supernaut
Well, I guess it's Black Sabbath mainly so it's mroe metal. But when I'm fiddling round by myself, trying to at least be a patch on Billy shehean or Cliff, anything goes!
Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 8:06 pm
by Paul Wolfe
Supernaut wrote:Well, I guess it's Black Sabbath mainly so it's mroe metal. But when I'm fiddling round by myself, trying to at least be a patch on Billy shehean or Cliff, anything goes!
If you're going for a Sabbath vibe, try Phrygian... it's rather dark sounding...
Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 8:47 pm
by Supernaut
Alright thanks rocky. I'll keep that in mind and hopefully come up with some cool stuff!
Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 9:52 pm
by Paul Wolfe
When you have time, check out the forums at
I Breathe Music, there is a wealth of information there that will help anyone who is musically inclined.
This thread is an interesting look at a question similar to yours, specifiacally about the Phrygian mode, it was interesting to me at least
Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 4:16 pm
by Supernaut
Phrygian actually sounds pretty good. I was using it for a solo in Metallica's "Wherever I May Roam"
sounds cool!
Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 4:34 pm
by Ell
That website's helpful, do you know anywhere that has tabs for all the modes and stuff?
Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 4:39 pm
by Supernaut
I do! I tabbed them all! they're in the wrong order but still, you can put them in the order
Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 4:41 pm
by Ell
Could you possibly put then on this site? It would help me loads.
Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 5:49 pm
by Tommy
Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 5:45 pm
by Paul Wolfe
That is definitely a great site, I've used it often for reference.