Ionian ♯5
Introduction
Ionian ♯5 (also called Augmented Ionian or Major ♯5) is the third mode of the Harmonic Minor scale. It’s like the major scale, but with a raised 5th, giving it a brighter and more unstable quality.
Structure
Formula: 1, 2, 3, 4, ♯5, 6, 7
Interval formula: W – W – H – W – W – H – H
Example:
C Ionian ♯5 (from A Harmonic Minor):
C – D – E – F – G♯ – A – B
Use Cases
- Fusion jazz
- Film scoring and avant-garde classical music
- Dreamlike major with unexpected tension
Diatonic Triads
| Degree | Chord Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | Augmented | C+ |
| II | Minor | Dm |
| iii | Minor | Em |
| IV | Major | F |
| v° | Diminished | G♯dim |
| vi | Minor | Am |
| vii° | Diminished | Bdim |
Diatonic 7th Chords
| Degree | Chord Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | Major 7♯5 | Cmaj7♯5 |
| II | Minor 7 | Dm7 |
| iii | Minor 7 | Em7 |
| IV | Major 7 | Fmaj7 |
| v° | Diminished 7 | G♯dim7 |
| vi | Minor/Maj7 | Am(maj7) |
| vii° | Half-Diminished | Bm7♭5 |
Common Progressions
- I - ii - V: C+ - Dm - G♯dim
- I - IV - vii°: C+ - F - Bdim
