Play the ionian (i) scale on the guitar
The Ionian mode is identical to the major scale. It's the first mode of the major scale, serving as a reference for all other modes.
Intervals table
| I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root | Major second | Major third | Perfect fourth | Perfect fifth | Major sixth | Major seventh |
| 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 |
| — | +2 | +2 | +1 | +2 | +2 | +2 |
Theoretical construction
The Ionian mode is the first degree of the major scale. It contains all the characteristic intervals of the major scale: major third, major sixth, and major seventh. Its tonic chord (I) is major with major seventh (Imaj7). In a modal context, we seek to emphasize the tonic while avoiding the dominant function, creating a 'floating' atmosphere rather than a traditional tonal progression. It's the 'brightest' of all modes.
Position examples
Example with A Ionian (I)
