Ionian Mode - The Uplifting ModeYou are now going to learn the Ionian Mode of music. You will get a quick reference guide, plus a free chord chart of the Ionian Mode.

The Ionian Mode is simply the modal name for “the major scale”. I personally call it “the feel good mode”, because it has a natural harmonic tone that makes us feel good, which can go anywhere from happy & uplifting to heroic & powerful. This is the 1st and main mode, and all other modes are created based on the major scale (Ionian Mode).

You can play this mode by starting on C, and then play all white keys up to the C an octave above it. Now let’s have a look at a quick overview guide of the Ionian Mode.

The Ionian Mode – Quick Guide

  • Mode Feeling: Happy, Optimistic, Feel Good, Empowering
  • Mode Pattern: R – W – W – h – W – W – W – h
  • Mode Formula: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7

C - Ionian Mode

The Ionian Mode – Chord Chart

These are all diatonic triads of the Ionian Mode, plus the diatonic 7th chords in parenthesis.

  • I = Major (Maj 7)
  • II = minor (min 7)
  • III = minor (min 7)
  • IV = Major (Maj 7)
  • V = Major (Dom 7)
  • VI = minor (min 7)
  • VII = diminished (m7b5)

Quick Guides on All 7 Modes

PS. Here’s a link to a free printable modes chord chart.