Frustrated with conventional methods of memorizing 7 different modes, I created a simple easy to learn system.

The key is to play 3 notes on EVERY string. If this is done, there are 3 different patterns which result.

The first is:
W (whole step, whole step)
W For this pattern use the 1st finger, 2nd finger, then the 4th finger.

The second is:
W (whole step, half step)
H For this pattern use the 1st finger, 3rd finger, then the 4th finger.

And the third is:
H
W (half step, whole step) For this pattern use the 1st finger, 2nd finger, then the 4th finger.

Each of these patterns is performed on 1, single string. For example, to start a G Major scale at the 3rd fret on the sixth string, you will play:

W
W This results in playing a note at the 3rd fret, then the 5th fret, and then the 7th fret.

Now this is where things start to get interesting!

All of the modes can be simplified into 1, easy to use "master" pattern. The pattern is as follows:

W W W H -H W-W
W W W W W H -H

Simply follow each column, top to bottom, playing it on a string. Then play the next column on the next string. For example, I can start at the beginning of the pattern with:

W
W (play on the 6th string at the 3rd, 5th, & 7th frets)

Then move to the 5th string and also play:

W
W (this is also played at the 3rd, 5th, & 7th frets)

Let's look at the pattern again with this approach in mind. I have labeled the strings below each of the pattern's steps. I have also alternated the colors from string to string to see each step more clearly.

W W W-H_H W-W
W W W W W H -H
6 - 5 -4 -3- 2_1 ---(strings)

*Notice that the last step does not get used. There will always be one unused step. The only exception would be for a seven-string guitar.

The beauty of using this method, is that to change to another mode you simply start the pattern in a different place. If you play the pattern as written, starting on the first set
W W W H -H W-
W W W W W H -this is the Mixolydian Mode

If the pattern is started on the 2nd set
W W H -H W-W
W W W W H -H this is the Ionian Mode (Major Scale)

The entire list is at follows:

1) Mixolydian
2) Ionian
3) Lydian
4) Locrian
5) Phrygian
6) Aeolian
7) Dorian

Each of these numbers refers to the position within the master list. The actual order of the modes themselves is different. I assume that you are already familiar with this. If not, please research this topic in a music theory text book.

Now there are 3 simple rules to apply to this concept.

1. Always move up 1 fret (away from the headstock) when you arrive at the 2nd string.

2. Also move up 1 fret when you transistion from W,W to H,W. Only do this when moving from the one to the other. Do not move up if beginning on H,W (as in the Locrian mode).

3. When you reach the end of the master pattern, cycle around to the beginning. (i.e. when you complete the last step, W,H the next step is W,W)

I hope you find this helpful and easy to understand. Please do not hesititate to post questions. I will reply as promptly as I can to each post. Enjoy!