Re: Scales and Modes
I don't use modes per se. If I were to think in terms of modes then I would invision them simply as a guide. To me they would simply represent an organized list that I may pick and choose notes from. In that sense they would never be used for effect. Rather they simply help to keep me playing in the proper key.
I know alot of people do use them for effect though. Generally, this is because they are trying to produce a particular modal sound. That's Ok I suppose, but the problem is that too often people come to rely upon modal playing as their only vehicle for improvisation. They always think in terms of, "Which mode do I play against this chord or that?". The end result is that they eventually end up sounding cliche'. To me the art of generating a melody has many more facets than simply playing in a particular mode.
If I were to become a modal player, then I would really do it the right way! Too often people don't do their homework where modes are concerned. There is more to it than just learning the modes. You also have to know when you can use them.
So many people haven't really "explored" how modes and chord progressions can be combined. The permutations are literally endless. Unfortunately, too many people who think of themselves as "modal" players have not yet realized that they have barely scratched the surface. They're stuck in one place musically and aren't really aware of what they need to do to advance further. Instead they use combinations of chord vs mode that are obvious. The never realize that there are modes that will fit a particular chord that they would never have considered using before further indepth analysis.
Only through a more indepth analysis can the true nature of modes be revealed.
