The Interval between notes is based on the number of semitones each note
is from its predecessor. Here is a typical octave of modern equally d notes
based on a tonic (starting note) of C for reference:
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
1' |
| Note |
C |
C# |
D |
D# |
E |
F |
F# |
G |
G# |
A |
A# |
B |
C |
If we look at the intervals of notes which make up the Ionian Mode
(which starts on C), we get:
|
I |
|
II |
|
III |
|
IV |
|
V |
|
VI |
|
VII |
|
VIII |
|
|
Tone |
|
Tone |
|
Semitone |
|
Tone |
|
Tone |
|
Tone |
|
Semitone |
|
| Note |
C |
|
D |
|
E |
|
F |
|
G |
|
A |
|
B |
|
C |
This pattern of intervals: T-T-S-T-T-T-S is the characteristic of the
Ionian mode, and forms the modern C major scale.
Because the mode is characterised by its interval structure, you can start on any note
and progress with the same intervals to produce an Ionian mode in that 'key'. This would
be 'D Ionian':
|
I |
|
II |
|
III |
|
IV |
|
V |
|
VI |
|
VII |
|
VIII |
|
|
Tone |
|
Tone |
|
Semitone |
|
Tone |
|
Tone |
|
Tone |
|
Semitone |
|
| Note |
D |
|
E |
|
F# |
|
G |
|
A |
|
B |
|
C# |
|
D |
Using the Ionian Mode intervals produces the notes for the modern key of D Major. |