Ionian

The Ionian mode is the same as a major scale. The key of “C” is a great place to start to learn the Ionian mode, because a C major scale has no flats and sharps. You can and should come back to the key of C to practice and explore any of the modes. It’s essential that you know this scale on your instrument.

C Ionian will serve as the foundation for everything that follows. Here is a chart showing the notes and intervals of C Ionian.

C Ionian

Notes	C	D	E	F	G	A	B
Intervals	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Intervals		Whole step	Whole step	Half step	Whole step	Whole step	Whole step

Try playing C Ionian as many different ways on the guitar as you can. Re-member to make sure you know each note you are playing on the fret board.

Knowing the notes on the fret board is essential to learning and playing the modes.

Memorizing patterns and intervallic shapes has a value for learning how to make music with the modes, but remember that playing patterns is not truly improvising. Playing melodies you’ve made up is true improvisation, and that is where the fun is. So take your time and enjoy the journey!

Listen to Ionian w/gtr. You’ll hear Rob playing the mode over a simple vamp. Then you can practice C Ionian with the IntroTrack, Ionian w/out gtr.

When you feel comfortable playing C Ionian, move on to Traveling South w/gtr., and listen to Rob solo. Pay particular attention to the way melodies are played and developed. Also listen for some of the patterns and intervallic ideas played in a musical way. Here are chords that work well with the Ionian Mode: Major, Major 7th, Major 9th, Major 6th and Major 6th/9th.

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