Ionian mode is another name for which scale type?

Ionian mode is another name for which scale type?

• A. major scale
• B. natural minor scale
• C. harmonic minor scale
• D. melodic minor scale

Answer: (A)

Ionian mode is the major scale. It starts on the first degree of the diatonic set and uses the same notes as the corresponding major scale, giving that bright, stable sound. For example, C Ionian is C–D–E–F–G–A–B–C, which is exactly the C major scale. The interval pattern is whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half. The other options describe minor variants: natural minor (Aeolian) has a minor third, harmonic minor raises the seventh, and melodic minor raises the sixth and seventh ascending (and reverts descending). So Ionian is the major scale.

Ionian mode is the major scale. It starts on the first degree of the diatonic set and uses the same notes as the corresponding major scale, giving that bright, stable sound. For example, C Ionian is C–D–E–F–G–A–B–C, which is exactly the C major scale. The interval pattern is whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half. The other options describe minor variants: natural minor (Aeolian) has a minor third, harmonic minor raises the seventh, and melodic minor raises the sixth and seventh ascending (and reverts descending). So Ionian is the major scale.