Major scale mode with natural 7; stable, consonant tonal center.
Ionian Mode (Major Scale)
Parentage: 1st mode of the Major Scale
Interval Formula: W – W – H – W – W – W – H
Degrees: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7
Chords built on degrees: I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii°
Structure and Function
Ionian is the major scale itself — the reference point from which all other modes are measured.
Its interval pattern produces the most stable hierarchy of pitches:
Formula in C Ionian:
C D E F G A B C
| Degree | Function | Interval | Chord | Nashville | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | 0 | Cmaj | 1 | Home base |
| 2 | Supertonic | +2 | Dmin | 2 | Pre-dominant |
| 3 | Mediant | +4 | Emin | 3 | Softens minor region |
| 4 | Subdominant | +5 | Fmaj | 4 | Builds tension to dominant |
| 5 | Dominant | +7 | Gmaj | 5 | Drives resolution to tonic |
| 6 | Submediant | +9 | Amin | 6 | Relative minor area |
| 7 | Leading tone | +11 | Bdim | 7 | Pulls back to tonic |
Sound and Character
- Mood: bright, balanced, resolved.
- Cadence: authentic (V–I) cadence defines tonal gravity.
- Color tones: the 4th (F) can clash over a tonic major chord — often avoided or used as a suspended color (add11).
Ionian’s predictability makes it the backbone of tonal harmony — every common progression (I–IV–V, ii–V–I, I–vi–IV–V) originates here.
Use and Application
- Genres: pop, rock, classical, country, and film scoring.
- Improvisation: major scale shapes form the core for major-key solos and melodies.
- Chord–scale approach: Ionian pairs naturally with major chords (Imaj7, I6).
- Modal focus: if you sustain the tonic chord and avoid cadencing too strongly, Ionian becomes a mode rather than just a key.
Common Examples
- “Let It Be” – The Beatles (C Ionian)
- “Here Comes the Sun” – The Beatles (A Ionian)
- “Sweet Caroline” – Neil Diamond
- Classical: most diatonic hymns and Mozart piano sonatas rest in Ionian tonality.
Summary
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| : -- | : - |
| Parent Key | Major |
| Tonal Center | Strong and stable |
| Signature Interval | Major 3rd & Major 7th |
| Emotional Color | Bright, confident, consonant |
| Typical Harmony | I – IV – V, I – vi – IV – V |
| Typical Chords | Maj, Maj7, Add9, 6, sus4 |
| Usage | Core of Western harmony, basis for all other modes |
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AKA:
major mode