In today's Lesson, we learn how to master the Ionian mode for improved lead guitar playing. This is the first of the 7 modes that come out of the major scale. If you learn how to play it and where to properly play it in key, you will quickly see how it can enhance the emotion of your lead guitar solos.

What is the Ionian mode?

The Ionian mode is the 1st of the 7 modes that come out of the major scale. Since there are 7 notes in the scale, there are 7 modes. These are all based on the 7 tone degrees of the major scale they come out of. The Ionian mode comes off the 1st tone degree.

If you were in the key of G major, the Ionian mode would be based on the G note. The 1st tone degree in the G major scale. The other 6 modes would be based on the other 6 notes.

The major scale

The major scale is what all other chords and scales are derived from within a certain key. It is the Do Re Me Fa So La Ti Do that is so well known.

Key of G Major: G A B C D E F# G

As you can see, there are 7 tone degrees, with the 8th note being the same as the first. This note starts the next octave. Since there are seven notes, there will be a mode that is derived from each one of these notes. The Ionian being the 1st, will be based on the G note. Which will be the G Ionian mode.

Watch the video lesson below

The Ionian mode across the board

In the image above, we have the Ionian mode across the fretboard in the key of G major. These notes form a pattern, and what you want to do is master the pattern of notes. Play it here at the 3rd fret, as well as master playing it up the fretboard at the 15th fret.

The sacred whole-step, half-step formula

What makes the modes so ideal in music is their sacred whole-step, half-step formula, which gives them their tonality character. It is in mastering this sacred formula within the 7 modes that will allow you to use them to enhance your lead guitar playing.

Ionian mode: 1 W 2 W 3 H 4 W 5 W 6 W 7 H 8

As you can see, there are 3 whole steps and 2 half steps in the Ionian mode. It is this series of notes within this structure that you want to master. When you do, you can play over any chord progression. As long as you know what key to play in, and where to play it within that key.

Improvising with the Ionian mode

When you master this mode in the key of G major, as I have shown you in this lesson, then you want to move it around the fretboard to play in other major keys. C major, E major, etc. This will not only allow you to master playing it in multiple keys, but also the guitar fretboard.

But when improvising, don't overthink things. Don't worry about what the chords are that you ae playing over. That's what improvising is all about: making things up on the spot. This will take some time to master as well, but if you apply yourself daily, you will eventually get there.

Dive deeper

If you'd like to dive deeper into using the odes to unlock the secrets of the guitar fretboard, I recommend you check out my book I authored and self-published. How To Play Guitar Modes. This book is currently available on Amazon and can show you how to get the most out of the modes. Not just the Ionian mode, but all 7 of them.

How To Play Guitar Modes

How To Play Guitar Modes is a method book for beginners and intermediate guitar students. It breaks down the 7 modes that come from the major scale into very simple, easy to understand step-by-step lessons. This allows for quicker study and understanding of the concepts and principles associated with guitar modes.

When it comes to playing guitar solos, there is a lot of mystery that leaves most guitar players in confusion, especially when it comes to the modes. With such names as Dorian, Phrygian, & Aeolian, how could there not be?

The reality is that they are not as difficult as they appear to be. That is, if you learn the techniques necessary to unlock the mystery of these scales. That is exactly what this book is all about. Unlocking the mysteries of how guitar modes work on the guitar. So grab the book and get started today.

Private instruction is also available

In addition to authoring method books (all can be found on Amazon), I also offer private guitar instruction. These are lessons that can help you get to the next level faster, develop an even better understanding of these concepts, and provide an even more enjoyable learning experience. If you feel this can help you, just contact me at my website, and we'll set up a time to meet online or in person.

Thanks for your time, and keep practicing.

Until our next guitar lesson, take care.

Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins.