Scale Theory, Positions, and Patterns

Ionian Mode (Major Scale)

The Ionian mode is a musical mode that is used in Western music. It is also known as the major scale, and it is one of the most commonly used musical scales. The Ionian mode is built on a specific pattern of whole steps (W) and half steps (H) that produce a specific sequence of seven notes. The pattern for the Ionian mode is as follows:

W-W-H-W-W-W-H

A whole step, or a whole tone, spans two semitones. For example C to D is a whole tone, the same as E to F# is a whole tone. E to F is a half tone, same as A to A# is a half tone.

Starting on any note, applying this pattern will produce a scale in the Ionian mode. For example, starting on the note C and applying the pattern above, we get the C Ionian mode, which is also known as the C major scale. The notes in the C Ionian mode are: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, and then back to C.

The Ionian mode is characterized by its bright and happy sound, and it is often associated with positive and uplifting emotions. It is used in many different styles of music, including pop, rock, classical, and jazz. In Western music, the Ionian mode is the most commonly used mode and is often the first scale that students learn when studying music theory or learning to play an instrument.

It's easy to see the scale steps on a piano, starting with the Major C Scale, which is the simplest scale to learn, as it is the only scale that consists of all major notes (no sharps or flats).

Here is the same scale on B string of a guitar in standard tuning

Aeolian Mode (Natural Minor Scale)

The Aeolian mode is a musical mode that is used in Western music. It is also known as the natural minor scale, and it is one of the most commonly used minor scales. The Aeolian mode is built on a specific pattern of whole steps (W) and half steps (H) that produce a specific sequence of seven notes. The pattern for the Aeolian mode is as follows:

W-H-W-W-H-W-W

Starting on any note, applying this pattern will produce a scale in the Aeolian mode. For example, starting on the note A and applying the pattern above, we get the A Aeolian mode, which is also known as the A natural minor scale. The notes in the A Aeolian mode are: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and then back to A.

The Aeolian mode is characterized by its sad or melancholy sound, and it is often associated with negative or introspective emotions. It is used in many different styles of music, including pop, rock, classical, and jazz. In Western music, the Aeolian mode is the most commonly used minor mode and is often used to create a sense of tension or drama in a musical piece.

See more scales using the interactive scale chart