I would focus on the similarities between each chord and scale. For example: if you know all your major scales then to learn all of the mixolydian scales only involves changing one note. Lower the seventh scale degree of any major scale down a 1/2 step. C mixolydian would then be C, D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C. Then same relationship occurs between chords if you know all your major seventh chords ex: Cmajor is C, E, G, B (1 3 5 7) of a major scale then to create a dominat scale you lower the seventh a 1/2 step. C, E, G, Bb. You could also look at this chord as being 1, 3, 5, 7 of a mixolydian scale because you already lowered the seventh to get the mixolydian scale. By learning one scale/chord at a time and pairing the scale and chord that are related together things should be easier. Each additional scale usually only involves changing one more note. I relate most chords and scale to how they differ from major scales and chords. Good luck. Kristy

Trying to memorize which modes "belong" to which chords is I think the wrong way to look at it. In functional harmony the relationship works more like this, the progression of chords defines a key and the key determines the mode. Consider the Dm7 chord in these two progressions #1 CMaj7 Am7 Dm7 G7 CMaj7 #2 BbMaj7 Dm7 Cm7 F7 BbMaj7 Progression #1 is in C and the most obvious choice is D dorian, example #2 is in Bb and the most obvious choice is phrygian. For me, I mainly use the same method as Kristy described, relating things to alterations of the major scale but use I modes when it is convenient. For example locrian (B C D E F G A B) is a lot of alteration to a B scale (b2,b3,b5,b6,b7) and to me is easier to see as C starting on the 7th. Some people seem to prefer this method for everything. The important thing is that you can relate it to the horn.

If I had to look at all that stuff, I couldn't make a living. I failed functional harmony with three wives. He's not wrong; he's asking for help. When he says belong, he means play over. On my last session i was asked if I could freak freely :) There are many ways to say improvise. i break this down into vertical (chord spelling ), and linear (modal) improvisation. This stuff is all great except that the only way to lay it down is with practice. :)