Ionian Mode
The Ionian Mode has a Major quality due to its Major Third E. The Ionian Mode, like Ionian Mode, is one of seven diatonic modes originally formed using just the natural notes (think just the white keys on a piano) but starting on a particular note, C in the case of the Ionian Mode, which creates a unique sequence of intervals. This mode can then be transposed to any key such as Ionian Mode in this example. Ionian Mode is classified as a heptatonic scale as it has seven notes, C, D, E, F, G, A, B. The Ionian Mode is also known as a diatonic scale which conforms to specific rules. Due to its popularity the Ionian Mode later became known as the Major Scale. Ionian Mode is therefore identical to the Major Scale.
Below you will find the Ionian Mode notes, notation, patterns, degrees, intervals and more. You can also opt to see the Ionian Mode on your preferred instrument.
Notes Ascending
C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C
Notes Descending
C, B, A, G, F, E, D, C
Notation Ascending
Notation Descending
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)
Degrees Ascending
| Note | Number | Name |
|---|---|---|
| C | 1 | Tonic |
| D | 2 | Supertonic |
| E | 3 | Mediant |
| F | 4 | Subdominant |
| G | 5 | Dominant |
| A | 6 | Submediant |
| B | 7 | Leading Tone |
| C | 8 | Tonic (Octave) |
Degrees Descending
| Note | Number | Name |
|---|---|---|
| C | 8 | Tonic (Octave) |
| B | 7 | Leading Tone |
| A | 6 | Submediant |
| G | 5 | Dominant |
| F | 4 | Subdominant |
| E | 3 | Mediant |
| D | 2 | Supertonic |
| C | 1 | Tonic |
Intervals Ascending
| Notes | Semitones | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| C > C | 0 | Perfect Unison (P1) |
| C > D | 2 | Major 2nd (M2) |
| C > E | 4 | Major 3rd (M3) |
| C > F | 5 | Perfect 4th (P4) |
| C > G | 7 | Perfect 5th (P5) |
| C > A | 9 | Major 6th (M6) |
| C > B | 11 | Major 7th (M7) |
| C > C | 12 | Perfect Octave (P8) |
Intervals Descending
| Notes | Semitones | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| C > C | 0 | Perfect Unison (P1) |
| C > B | 1 | minor 2nd (m2) |
| C > A | 3 | minor 3rd (m3) |
| C > G | 5 | Perfect 4th (P4) |
| C > F | 7 | Perfect 5th (P5) |
| C > E | 8 | minor 6th (m6) |
| C > D | 10 | minor 7th (m7) |
| C > C | 12 | Perfect Octave (P8) |
Modes related to C Ionian Mode
Enharmonic Equivalent Mode
Scale with the same root and notes as the C Ionian Mode but different spelling.
B♯ Ionian Mode
Chords related to C Ionian Mode
Related Triads
These chords have been built using the notes of the C Ionian Mode. The chords are in degree order and shown in Roman numerals (lowercase = minor/diminished, uppercase = Major/Augmented).
I Chord - C Major
ii Chord - D Minor
iii Chord - E Minor
IV Chord - F Major
V Chord - G Major
vi Chord - A Minor
viio Chord - B Diminished
Learn to Play Ionian Mode
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.
