Ionian mode

The Ionian mode is the first mode of the major scale.

Its scale degrees are: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Its intervals are: W W H W W W H
It’s a “major” mode

Descriptors:

  • Childish? (lullabies, etc.)
  • Boring?
  • Stiff?
  • Dry?
  • Classical?

Q: Is there a difference between Ionian and Major?
A: Arguably yes. “Major” implies functional harmony. To write Ionian, simply use the same scale but without functional harmony.

Q: Does major have a colour tone?
A: Not really.