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Ionian Mode

 

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Last updated on: 2009-08-19 4:21 PM

The Ionian mode, also known as a major scale, is a seven note scale with a numeric formula of 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8/1 and is the basis for Western music and theory. Whenever you see a scale or chord formula it is always written relative to the Ionian/major scale which has no alterations (relative to itself).

The five Ionian/major scale patterns further below should be memorized and practiced everyday, they are the basis on which the other modes are built and you need to know them back the front and inside out. You can learn five patterns for the five different modes (making a total of 25 scale patterns), or you can learn the five Ionian scale patterns below and simply play the relative major of the mode. As an example: say you wish to play an F Lydian scale over an alternating F | FFlat symbol5 rock progression (Al la Joe Satriani), you know that Lydian is the fourth scale mode right? Now lets find the relative major by back tracking four scale degrees, F > E > D > C, now we have found that C major/Ionian is the F Lydian's relative major scale. So now all you have to do is play a C major scale over the chord progression which is exactly the same as playing an F Lydian scale.

Ionian Mode Profile

Numeric Formula 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8/1
Notation Formula (key of C) C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C/1
Stepping whole / whole / half / whole / whole / whole / half
Tonal tone / tone / semi-tone / tone / tone / tone / semi-tone
Harmonized Triads (key of C) C / Dmi / Emi / F / G / Ami / BDiminished symbol
Harmonized Tetrads (key of C) CMA7 / Dmi7 / Emi7 / FMA7 / G7 / Ami7 / Bmi7(Flat symbol5)

Ionian Mode Scale Patterns

The scales below are not shown in any particular key, they are patterns which can be moved around the guitar neck freely using the tonic (circled dot) as your navigator. See example below.

  • How to use
  • As an example, let's say you require a D major scale
  • After playing all the major scale patterns, you decide on pattern #2
  • Pattern #2 has it's root on the 5th string so you need to find the D note on this string
  • Click the notes on the neck chart tab and find the D note on the 5th fret (5th string)
  • Now play the D major scale using pattern #2 on the 5th fret
  • Use the Octave chart tab to help you remember which notes are where
  • Use the Scale chart help tab if your a beginner at reading scale charts
Ionian mode scale pattern 1
Ionian mode scale pattern 2
Ionian mode scale pattern 3
Ionian mode scale pattern 4
Ionian mode scale pattern 5
Scale chart help
Notes on the guitar neck chart (lite version)
Octaves chart

Using octaves to learn notes on the guitar neck

  1. First determine which chord you require, let's use a B major chord in this example.
  2. We know the root note is B, (if it were an A major chord the root note would be A and for Cma7 it would be C, etc etc)
  3. Using the notes on the guitar neck chart, find the B note on the 6th string, 7th fret.
  4. Now using the major scale patterns chart, look for pattern #4 which has it's root note on the 6th string and play it, your done!
  5. Remember, learning and memorizing notes, chord voicings and scales in this way will improve your playing skills, theoretical knowledge and desirability as a band member.

Ionian Mode Audio Sample(s)

To download audio sample(s) for later listening, right click on the MP3 link, then from the context menu that appears select Save Target As (Internet Explorer) or Save Link As (Firefox).

Audio Sample Name Flash MP3
C Ionian Mode Scale Pattern #4 c-ionian-mode-scale-pattern-4.mp3

Related Lessons & Resources

External Resources