A Ionian scale
The A Ionian scale is made of the notes A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G♯. It has 7 notes; compared with the major scale its formula is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7.
Modes · 7 notes
- 1A
- 2B
- 3C♯
- 4D
- 5E
- 6F♯
- 7G♯
PatternW – W – H – W – W – W – H(W = whole step, H = half step)
The seven scales you get by starting from each degree of the major scale. Degrees are shown relative to the major scale: ♭3 is the third lowered by a half step, ♯4 the fourth raised.
Mode and chords
The first mode of the major scale, with the same notes as the major. The name comes from the Greek modes; it is used when thinking in modes, for example over a maj7 chord.
The A Ionian scale is mode 1 of the A major scale: the same notes, starting from degree 1. A major scale →
Put it into practice
The scale played in thirds over one octave: one of the exercises MEG generates from this scale.
This scale is not part of the demo: in the MEG app you will find it in every key, with 24 patterns.
Chords built on the scale
Frequently asked questions
- What are the notes of the A Ionian scale?
- The notes are A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G♯.
- What is the pattern of the A Ionian scale?
- The sequence of steps is W – W – H – W – W – W – H (W = whole step, H = half step); compared with the major scale the degrees are 1 2 3 4 5 6 7.
- Which scale is the A Ionian scale a mode of?
- It is mode 1 of the A major scale.
- Which chords is the A Ionian scale used over?
- It is used over Amaj7, A6, Amaj9: the chords on the tonic made of the notes of the scale.