Here are the order of the mode names:
(1) Ionian
(2) Dorian
(3) Phrygian
(4) Lydian
(5) Mixolydian
(6) Aolian
(7) Locrian
Basic Options
Here are a few rules that can get you started
Whenever you see a Dominate Seven chord you think
Mixolydian
Then since mixolydian is the fifth mode (look above). The root of the chord I am playing is the fifth of what?
Example:
G7
G(root) is the fifth of what?......C
Over a G7 chord I can play a C major scale.
F7
F(root) is the fifth of what?.....Bb
Over an F7 chord you can play a Bb major scale.
How does this apply?
Lets say you are playing in the key of C major and you encounter a progression of a D7 to a G .
You would know that over that D7 you could play a Gmajor scale until you land on the next chord in the progression which is a G. A G major chord is within the tonal key center of C (the one you are playing in) so from there you would continue to play in the key of C major
Whenever you see a Minor chord think
Dorian
Since Dorian is the second mode. The root of the chord I am playing is the second of what?
Example:
Dm
D(root) is the second of what?......C
Over a Dm chord I can play a C major scale.
Abm
Ab(root) is the second of what?......Gb
Over an Abm chord you can play a Gb scale.
In the key of Eb major you come across a chord progression of a Bbm going to an Eb7 then to an Ab
Bbm is the Dorian of what?......Ab Over a Bbm you can play an Ab scale.
Eb7 is the Mixolydian of what?......Ab Over an Eb7 you can play an Ab scale.
Then to the Ab chord. Ab is within the Eb scale (the four chord) so you go back to the Eb major scale.
