SCALE · ON ALTO SAXOPHONE
G Ionian
The major scale labelled as a mode — the pre-tonal bright default.
Tempo120 bpm
Playback sounds a major 6th below the written notation — the instrument's concert (sounding) pitch.
Audio source: tonejs-instruments by Nick Brosowsky (MIT)
Related scalesDiatonic chord harmonisation Same scale, other instruments Same scale, other tonics Modes built on this tonic Theory reference
RelativeE Natural MinorSame seven notes, tonic on the 6th degree — your access to the related minor key.ParallelG Natural MinorSame tonic, the parallel minor — the deepest mode flip in tonal music.Up a fifthD MajorOne sharp brighter on the circle of fifths.Up a fourthC MajorOne flat darker on the circle of fifths.One note differentG LydianRaise the 4th — the bright, floating Lydian colour.One note differentG MixolydianLower the 7th — folk, blues-rock, Celtic vocabulary.SubsetG Pentatonic MajorFive notes from the same scale — the bedrock pentatonic.ExoticG Harmonic MajorBorrow the ♭6 from minor — operatic edge, IV / iv6 colour.
Questions
What notes are in the G Ionian scale?
The G Ionian scale uses the notes G, A, B, C, D, E, F♯ (one octave; the pattern repeats at higher registers).
What chords work over G Ionian?
The diatonic chords of G major: G major, ii minor, iii minor, IV major, V major (or V7), vi minor, vii°. Strong cadences use IV→V→I.
How do I finger G Ionian on Alto Saxophone?
On saxophone, scales train fingering + the altissimo register. Practice the entire range — low Bb through high F (or higher with altissimo fingerings) — at each scale.
When would I use the Ionian scale?
The major scale labelled as a mode — the pre-tonal bright default.