In my previous post, I outlined some of the most important points to consider when studying various scales and modes. I outlined some specific song examples for you to work on that focused on the sound of four different types of modes, which were the Dorian mode, the Phrygian mode, the Lydian mode, and the Mixolydian mode. The main goal of my last post was to get you to approach the study of scales and modes as more than just learning how to play different types of finger patterns on the fretboard. Instead, you should approach the study of scales and modes from the perspective of LISTENING to the specific "flavor" or "mood" that each mode creates. The song examples I had given you last time were a good place to start, but this time I'd like to talk about developing your ability to IMPROVISE melodies using the sound of each individual mode.
 
In my previous post, I had given you this list of "key elements" to focus on when studying new scales or modes:

What are the names of the notes that are in the scale? (Musical Alphabet)
How do I find the notes of the scale on the fretboard? (Fretboard Knowledge)
Can I play the notes of the scale across all 6 strings? (Position Playing)
Can I play the notes of the scale on a single string? (Linear Playing)
What type of chord is associated with the Root Note of this scale? (Major, Minor, etc.)
What types of chord progressions can I use this scale with?
Can I build this scale type in all 12 Keys?
Can I name the intervals used to construct this scale?
What styles of music use the sound of this scale?
Who are some great players that I can listen to who are known for using this scale in their music?
What are some examples of great songs that I can study that make use of this scale?
Can I improvise my own melodies with this scale?
Can I compose a riff or a chord progression using the sound of this scale?
 
Let's focus on this question: "Can I improvise my own melodies with this scale?"
 
For each of the four scale types I listed in the previous post (the Dorian mode, the Phrygian mode, the Lydian mode, and the Mixolydian mode), there are a bunch of great Fretlight Improviser jam tracks that you can use to help you get better at soloing with the sound of these new scale types. There are many advantages to practicing these new scales with Improviser, and many of them correspond to the points that I raised in list above.
 
With Fretlight Improviser, you can light up the notes of each scale across the fretboard (Position Playing), you can light up the notes of each scale on individual strings (Linear Playing), you can learn the spacing between each of the scale tones (Intervals), you can instantly learn examples of chord progressions that are associated with each scale (Chord Tones), you can transpose the progression to all 12 Keys, you can change the tempo of the jam track, and most importantly, you can hear the SOUND of the scale in context with a full band backing track to really develop your ability to recognize the "flavor" of each individual scale.
 
Here's a list of Improviser tracks that you can use to develop your lead playing with each of the four modes I outlined last time:
 
Dorian mode jam tracks in Fretlight Improviser:
"Dorian Workout": a slow tempo jam track played with a triplet feel.
"Dorian Salsa": an up-tempo track played with a Latin feel in the style of Santana.
"Dorian Reggae": a laid back track played with a Reggae feel.
"Dorian Bluegrass Waltz": a country inspired track played with a slow waltz feel (3/4 time).
"Irish Dorian": a fast tempo track played with a triplet feel (6/8 time).
 
Phrygian mode jam tracks in Fretlight Improviser:
"Phrygian Phunk": a medium tempo track played with a shuffle or "funk triplet" feel.
"Phrygian Tango": a slower tempo track played with a Latin feel.
"Phrygian Hard Rock": a fast tempo track played with more of a Rock feel.
 
Lydian mode jam tracks in Fretlight Improviser:
"Laid Back Lydian": a slow tempo track played with a Latin Rock ballad feel in the style of James Taylor.
"Lydian Country": a medium tempo track played with a triplet feel.
"Lydian Merengue": a fast tempo Latin flavored jam track.
"Lydian Waltz": a slow track played with a swinging jazz waltz feel (3/4 time).
 
Mixolydian mode jam tracks in Fretlight Improviser:
"Mixolydian Bossa": a medium tempo jam track played with a Latin Jazz/Bossa Nova feel.
"Mixolydian Classic": a slow tempo or "half time" track played in the style of Crosby Stills and Nash.
"Mixolydian Country Shuffle": an up-beat track played with an old-school Country shuffle feel.
"Mixolydian Country Waltz": a slow tempo Country track played with a ballad feel in the style of Norah Jones.
"Mixolydian Folk": a medium tempo track played with a contemporary folk feel.
"Mixolydian Funk": a mid-tempo track played with a classic 70's funk feel.
"Mixolydian Rain": a fast tempo track played with a straight rock feel in the style of Eric Clapton.
"Mixolydian Reggae": a medium tempo Reggae track played in the style of Bob Marley.

Instead of learning the sound of new scales and modes by studying other artists songs (like the ones I listed last time), by using the Improviser jam tracks you can begin to apply the sound of these new scales to your own playing, and you can do it instantly. I find that it's important to spend time doing both: Developing your knowledge and proficiency with new scale sounds by studying other great musicians, as well as developing your OWN personal interpretations of those scale sounds by creating your own melodies. Remember that you are always trying to associate the scales that you study with real music, whether it's a song by your favorite artist or something that you've created on your own. Good Luck!
 
Nate