Tip to figure out the lowest possible non-open mode for any key

Here’s a question. What’s the lowest possible non-open mode you can play on a standard 6-string guitar in the key of E major? Or Bb major? Or any other key? It turns out there’s a quick and simple way of figuring that out for any key. A couple of simple formulas, one for the sharp keys and one for the flat keys, is all it takes. And by non-open, I mean no notes played on open strings.

If you’re not sure what the sharp and flat keys are I recommend referring to the circle of fifths. You will also need to know the order of modes in the major scale:

  1. Ionian
  2. Dorian
  3. Phrygian
  4. Lydian
  5. Mixolydian
  6. Aolean
  7. Locrean

Sharp keys

To figure out the lowest possible non-open mode for a sharp key follow this process:

  1. All sharp scales have an F# so the lowest fingering will start there (6th string, 2nd fret).
  2. Figure out what degree F# is for the chosen key.
  3. Based on the scale degree identify the mode.

For example, what’s the lowest non-open mode of A major?

  1. It’s a sharp scale so the lowest fingering will start on F#.
  2. F# is the 6th degree of A major (just count up from A to F# – 6 notes).
  3. The 6th mode of a major scale is Aeolian.

So, the lowest non-open fingering for A major is F# Aeolian.

Flat keys

To figure out the lowest possible non-open mode for a flat key follow this process:

  1. All flat scales have an F natural so the lowest fingering will start there (6th string, 1st fret).
  2. Figure out what degree F natural is for the chosen key.
  3. Based on the scale degree identify the mode.

For example, what’s the lowest non-open mode of Ab major?

  1. It’s a flat scale so the lowest fingering will include an F (6th string, 1st fret).
  2. F is the 6th degree of Ab major.
  3. The 6th mode of a major scale is Aeolian.

So, the lowest non-open fingering for Ab major is F Aeolian.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments