SCALE · ON ALTO
A Ionian
The major scale labelled as a mode — the pre-tonal bright default.
Tempo120 bpm
Audio source: FluidR3_GM SoundFont (public domain)
Related scalesDiatonic chord harmonisation Same scale, other instruments Same scale, other tonics Modes built on this tonic Theory reference
RelativeF♯ Natural MinorSame seven notes, tonic on the 6th degree — your access to the related minor key.ParallelA Natural MinorSame tonic, the parallel minor — the deepest mode flip in tonal music.Up a fifthE MajorOne sharp brighter on the circle of fifths.Up a fourthD MajorOne flat darker on the circle of fifths.One note differentA LydianRaise the 4th — the bright, floating Lydian colour.One note differentA MixolydianLower the 7th — folk, blues-rock, Celtic vocabulary.SubsetA Pentatonic MajorFive notes from the same scale — the bedrock pentatonic.ExoticA Harmonic MajorBorrow the ♭6 from minor — operatic edge, IV / iv6 colour.
Questions
What notes are in the A Ionian scale?
The A Ionian scale uses the notes A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G♯ (one octave; the pattern repeats at higher registers).
What chords work over A Ionian?
The diatonic chords of A major: A major, ii minor, iii minor, IV major, V major (or V7), vi minor, vii°. Strong cadences use IV→V→I.
How do I finger A Ionian on Alto?
Singing scales (solfège) trains pitch accuracy + interval recognition. Use moveable Do (Do = tonic) so any scale starts on Do. The major scale solfège (Do-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La-Ti-Do) is the universal pattern.
When would I use the Ionian scale?
The major scale labelled as a mode — the pre-tonal bright default.