Ionian (Major Scale)

Ionian (Major Scale) is the 1st mode of the major scale (step pattern W – W – H – W – W – W – H; from C: C – D – E – F – G – A – B). Bright, resolved, and stable. The foundation of Western tonal music and the most common mode in pop, classical, folk, and jazz.

The reference scale — all seven degrees are natural with no alterations.

Where you hear it: Pop, classical, country, folk, gospel — the default major tonality of Western music.