3rds
Another useful interval for harmonizing melodies is the 3rd. Here is the E Dorian mode harmonized in 3rds, along with an example using 3rds.
Some modes are particularly useful for creating chord progressions which don't sound like a typical major or minor key. The Ionian mode is the major scale, so you already know what its possibilities are. The Aeolian mode is the natural minor scale, which has also been dealt with earlier in the book. Apart from these, the most commonly used modes are the Mixolydian and the Dorian, followed by the Phrygian, Lydian and lastly the Locrian. The example below demonstrates a typical Mixolydian Rock riff. The three chords used here - G, D and A - also occur in the key of D Major, but as you can hear, the tonality is clearly based around A rather than D.
Many guitar parts are created from a combination of modes and chords. This one uses the A Mixolydian along with Dominant 7th and 9th chords.
Here are some rhythm parts created from the G Dorian mode.
A mode can be harmonized with any interval. This lick features the use of 4ths.
These parts are derived from two slightly more exotic sounding modes - the Phrygian, and the Lydian.
