fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON GUITAR

C𝄪 Ionian

The major scale labelled as a mode — the pre-tonal bright default.

MEIMIDIHumdrum
Choose a root
Tempo120 bpm

Playback sounds an octave below the written notation — the instrument's concert (sounding) pitch.

Audio source: tonejs-instruments by Nick Brosowsky (MIT)

Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 5 title C𝄪 Ionian Verovio
Tuning
FretboardTuning: EADGBE
35791215D𝄪G𝄪C𝄪F𝄪A𝄪D𝄪D𝄪E𝄪F𝄪G𝄪A𝄪B𝄪C𝄪D𝄪E𝄪F𝄪G𝄪A𝄪B𝄪C𝄪D𝄪E𝄪F𝄪G𝄪A𝄪C𝄪D𝄪E𝄪F𝄪G𝄪A𝄪B𝄪C𝄪D𝄪F𝄪G𝄪A𝄪B𝄪C𝄪D𝄪E𝄪F𝄪G𝄪A𝄪B𝄪C𝄪D𝄪E𝄪F𝄪G𝄪A𝄪B𝄪C𝄪D𝄪E𝄪F𝄪G𝄪A𝄪B𝄪C𝄪D𝄪E𝄪F𝄪
Related scales
Diatonic chord harmonisation
Same scale, other instruments
Same scale, other tonics
Modes built on this tonic
Theory reference
Questions
What notes are in the C𝄪 Ionian scale?

The C𝄪 Ionian scale uses the notes C𝄪, D𝄪, E𝄪, F𝄪, G𝄪, A𝄪, B𝄪 (one octave; the pattern repeats at higher registers).

What chords work over C𝄪 Ionian?

The diatonic chords of C𝄪 major: C𝄪 major, ii minor, iii minor, IV major, V major (or V7), vi minor, vii°. Strong cadences use IV→V→I.

How do I finger C𝄪 Ionian on Guitar?

On guitar, scales are typically learned as position patterns — three- or four-notes-per-string shapes that move up the neck. The CAGED system positions each scale in five interconnected patterns; the three-notes-per-string approach simplifies modal scales.

When would I use the Ionian scale?

The major scale labelled as a mode — the pre-tonal bright default.