Ionian
Introduction
The Ionian mode is essentially the major scale itself. It’s the most familiar mode in Western music, known for its bright, happy, and resolved sound.
Structure of the Ionian Mode
The Ionian mode is the first mode of the major scale.
Formula: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Intervals:
- Root
- Major 2nd
- Major 3rd
- Perfect 4th
- Perfect 5th
- Major 6th
- Major 7th
Interval formula: W – W – H – W – W – W – H
Example:
C Ionian Scale: C – D – E – F – G – A – B – C
Ionian in Action
Iconic Examples:
- “Let It Be” by The Beatles – A classic Ionian progression.
- “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound of Music – A literal scale walk in Ionian.
- “Imagine” by John Lennon – Rooted in C Ionian.
Chord Quality
Diatonic Triads in Ionian Mode
| Degree | Chord Type | Example (C Ionian) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Major | C | C - E - G |
| II | Minor | Dm | D - F - A |
| III | Minor | Em | E - G - B |
| IV | Major | F | F - A - C |
| V | Major | G | G - B - D |
| VI | Minor | Am | A - C - E |
| VII | Diminished | Bdim | B - D - F |
Diatonic 7th Chords in Ionian Mode
| Degree | Chord Type | Example (C Ionian) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Major 7 | Cmaj7 | C - E - G - B |
| II | Minor 7 | Dm7 | D - F - A - C |
| III | Minor 7 | Em7 | E - G - B - D |
| IV | Major 7 | Fmaj7 | F - A - C - E |
| V | Dominant 7 | G7 | G - B - D - F |
| VI | Minor 7 | Am7 | A - C - E - G |
| VII | Half-Dim | Bm7♭5 | B - D - F - A |
Common Progressions
- I-IV-V-I: C - F - G - C
- I-vi-IV-V: C - Am - F - G
- ii-V-I: Dm7 - G7 - Cmaj7
