C Ionian Mode on Mandolin

Here you can learn how to play the Ionian Mode in the key of C on the Mandolin. As well as the scale notes, degrees and patterns of the C Ionian Mode, where available we also provide suggested Mandolin fingerings. In the Mandolin view below, you can display the notes of the C Ionian Mode mapped out onto the Mandolin fretboard and switch between the notes, degrees, intervals or, if we have them, suggested Mandolin fingerings.

Notes Ascending

C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C

Notes Descending

C, B, A, G, F, E, D, C

Pattern Ascending

T, T, S, T, T, T, S

S = Semitone, T = Tone (2 Semitones)

Pattern Descending

S, T, T, T, S, T, T

S = Semitone, T = Tone (2 Semitones)

Intervals Ascending

NotesSemitonesInterval
C > C0Perfect Unison (P1)
C > D2Major 2nd (M2)
C > E4Major 3rd (M3)
C > F5Perfect 4th (P4)
C > G7Perfect 5th (P5)
C > A9Major 6th (M6)
C > B11Major 7th (M7)
C > C12Perfect Octave (P8)

Intervals Descending

NotesSemitonesInterval
C > C0Perfect Unison (P1)
C > B1minor 2nd (m2)
C > A3minor 3rd (m3)
C > G5Perfect 4th (P4)
C > F7Perfect 5th (P5)
C > E8minor 6th (m6)
C > D10minor 7th (m7)
C > C12Perfect Octave (P8)
Root
Third
Fifth

Music Theory

Want to dig deeper and learn about the scale degrees, intervals, relative and parallel keys or see the notation for this scale?

Learn more about C Ionian Mode

Instrument View

See C Ionian Mode on

If you want to learn what scales and modes are and much more, check out our free Fundamentals of Music Theory course. If you already know some of the basics, you can jump straight into the scales lesson.

Learn more about Mandolin

More to learn