This article will take you through the basics of the Ionian mode.
We'll take you through the following questions:
- What is the Ionian mode?
- How do we determine the notes of the Ionian mode?
- What's an example of the Ionian mode?
- Where can I learn about the other modes?
What is the Ionian mode?
As mentioned in our Introducion to Modes article, the Ionian mode is the first of the 7 modes for the major scale.
The Ionian mode is the same as the major scale, and is actually just an alternate name for the major scale.
How do we determine the notes of the Ionian mode?
Just like when building a chord progression, when we build a scale we start on the root note.
After we've picked the note we want to start at (the root note or tonic) we use a series of whole steps and half steps to get our other notes.
You might be wondering what I mean by "whole steps and half steps".
When I use that term I'm referring to moving through the musical alphabet and picking notes by moving certain distances.
For the Major scales we'll use this formula
- Whole Step (or Tone)
- Whole Step (or Tone)
- Half Step (or Semitone)
- Whole Step (or Tone)
- Whole Step (or Tone)
- Whole Step (or Tone)
- Half Step (or Semitone)
What's an example of the Ionian Mode?
We'll use the C major Ionian Mode as an example.
If we use the formula above we'll get the following C Major Ioninan Scale (or major scale)
- C
- D
- E
- F
- G
- A
- B
Where can I learn about the other modes?
We have articles breaking down each mode right here:
