Nick Jennison - Mastering Modes Part One

Nick Jennison's "Mastering Modes Part One" is an essential guitar lesson series available on Licklibrary.com, crafted for guitarists seeking to elevate their understanding and application of modes in their playing. This comprehensive series covers a range of techniques and studies designed to deepen your musicality and versatility on the guitar. Let's dive into each section of this phenomenal course and explore the benefits it offers.

Perspective

In the introductory section, Nick Jennison sets the stage by providing valuable insights into the perspective needed to master modes. This foundational knowledge helps guitarists understand the broader musical landscape, enabling them to see how modes fit into various musical contexts. Gaining this perspective is crucial as it informs your approach to learning and applying the modes effectively.

From Pentatonics to Modes

Transitioning from pentatonic scales to modes can be a challenging leap for many guitarists. This lesson bridges the gap, showing how familiar pentatonic patterns can be expanded into full modal scales. By understanding this transition, guitarists can seamlessly integrate modal flavors into their solos, enriching their musical expression.

Minor Solo Study - Dorian

The Dorian mode, known for its distinctive sound, is the focus of this solo study. Nick breaks down a minor solo in Dorian, emphasising its unique characteristics. Learning to solo in Dorian enhances your ability to create soulful and expressive minor key solos, adding a sophisticated touch to your playing.

Minor Solo Study - Aeolian

In this lesson, Nick dives into the Aeolian mode, another minor scale with its own emotional depth. The Aeolian solo study helps guitarists understand the nuances of this mode, enabling them to convey a melancholic and introspective vibe through their solos.

Minor Solo Study - Phrygian

The Phrygian mode, with its exotic and mysterious sound, is explored in this solo study. By mastering the Phrygian mode, guitarists can add an element of intrigue and drama to their playing, making their solos stand out with a distinct and captivating flavour.

Major Solo Study - Lydian

The Lydian mode is known for its bright and dreamy sound. In this major solo study, Nick illustrates how to utilise the Lydian mode to create uplifting and ethereal solos. This mode is perfect for adding a sense of wonder and expansiveness to your major key improvisations.

Major Solo Study - Ionian

Often referred to as the major scale, the Ionian mode is fundamental to Western music. This lesson covers a solo study in Ionian, focusing on its pure and melodic qualities. Mastering the Ionian mode is essential for any guitarist aiming to build a strong melodic foundation in their playing.

Major Solo Study - Mixolydian

The Mixolydian mode, with its bluesy and rock-oriented sound, is the centrepiece of this solo study. By incorporating Mixolydian into your solos, you can add a gritty and soulful edge, perfect for rock and blues genres.

Practicing Modes - From Brightest to Darkest

Understanding the emotional spectrum of modes is vital for their effective application. This lesson ranks modes from brightest to darkest, helping guitarists choose the right mode for the desired emotional impact. This knowledge is invaluable for creating dynamic and emotionally resonant music.

Matching Modes to Chord Progressions

One of the most practical aspects of mastering modes is knowing how to match them to chord progressions. This lesson provides insights into pairing modes with appropriate chords, enhancing harmonic richness and coherence in your playing. This skill is essential for crafting well-rounded and musically engaging solos.

Performance by Nick Jennison

Seeing techniques in a performance context is incredibly beneficial. Nick Jennison's performances within these lessons demonstrate how theoretical concepts translate into actual music. This not only reinforces learning but also inspires and motivates guitarists by showcasing the practical application of these techniques in a real-world setting.

List of Guitar Techniques Used in the Lessons

"Mastering Modes Part One" by Nick Jennison is a treasure trove for guitarists aiming to enhance their modal understanding and application. Each lesson is meticulously designed to provide practical skills and theoretical knowledge, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience. Join Nick Jennison on Licklibrary.com and unlock the full potential of your guitar playing today!

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Nick Jennison

I’m Nick Jennison, a guitarist, vocalist, producer and educator from the North East of England. It’s pretty cold up here, which seems like the perfect excuse to stay inside and make a bunch of great guitar-related videos for your viewing pleasure. I’ll be covering topics from technique, tone and musicality,...

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