Mode definition
Ionian
The bright reference sound. In traditional theory, this is the major scale.
Compact formula: 33 Expanded rule: 3 CC 3 CC
Scale result
C D E F G A B C
Mode explorer
Explore every mode from any root.
This page keeps the definitions simple: choose a root note once, compare the seven modes, and see the resulting scale immediately.
Choose one root
One root note. One mode. One clear path.
Mode explorer is a lightweight step before the full playground. Choose a root, choose a mode, and the page updates the definition, keyboard path, and resulting scale without adding playback complexity yet.
Selected root
C
Selected mode
Ionian
Start with C or D if you want the easiest first comparison.
Selected root
Selected mode
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C♯
D♯
F♯
G♯
A♯
C♯
D♯
F♯
G♯
A♯
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
Keyboard path
The highlighted path shows the selected mode from root to octave.
Hint
Think about this as:
One, Two, Three Change One, Two, Three Change
How to read this choice
- 1 Start on C and use Ionian as the active mode.
- 2 Read the definition as 33, or in expanded form as 3 CC 3 CC.
- 3 Follow the highlighted path on the keyboard from the root to the octave.
- 4 Resulting scale: C D E F G A B C.
What next
Take this mode logic to the keyboard.
If these mode patterns already feel clear, move into a short guided practice routine. Need to review the rules again? Go back to Method.