D Ionian scale
The D Ionian scale is made of the notes D, E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯. It has 7 notes; compared with the major scale its formula is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7.
Modes · 7 notes
- 1D
- 2E
- 3F♯
- 4G
- 5A
- 6B
- 7C♯
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 D Ionian scale is mode 1 of the D major scale: the same notes, starting from degree 1. D 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 D Ionian scale?
- The notes are D, E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯.
- What is the pattern of the D 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 D Ionian scale a mode of?
- It is mode 1 of the D major scale.
- Which chords is the D Ionian scale used over?
- It is used over Dmaj7, D6, Dmaj9: the chords on the tonic made of the notes of the scale.