Modal misconception

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Modes are often confused with the scale patterns. Modes are actually ‘styles’ or ‘moods’. The patterns of the scales themselves are just patterns. For example you might call the 5th scale in a major scale ‘Mixolydian’ because it IS the 5th scale/pattern in a major key however you could theoretically be playing a G Mixolydian ’scale’ or ‘pattern’ while the song could actually be in the A Dorian mode.

The style/mood is still Dorian even though you are playing a 5th position scale, a pentatonic scale, or even just one note.

Mode = Style/Mood. Pattern = Scale.

When I first realized this… it all made sense to me. I hope it helps you as well. 😎👍