How to Play the Ionian Scale on Guitar

The Ionian scale is one of the seven modes in music. It uses the same exact notes as a major scale. Modern music was born out of this ancient mode. In this article, you will learn how to play in the Ionian mode on the guitar.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Guitar

1. Place the middle finger of your left hand on the third fret of the sixth string (low E string) and pluck. This is the root note of the G Ionian scale.
2. Place your pinky on the fifth fret of the sixth string and pluck.
3. Put your pointer finger on the second fret of the fifth string (A string) and pluck.
4. Place your middle finger on the third fret of the fifth string and pluck.
5. Put your pinky on the fifth fret of the fifth string and pluck the string.
6. Place your forefinger on the second fret of the fourth string (D string) and pluck the string.
7. Place your ring finger on the fourth fret of the fourth string and pluck.
8. Place your pinky on the fifth fret of the fourth string and pluck the string. This is the final note of the scale.
9. Play the scale in reverse. Play beginning at Step 8 and continue until you reach Step 1. Once you have returned to Step 1, you have completed the scale. That's it. You now know how to play an Ionian scale on the guitar!

Tips & Warnings

• This scale can be played ANYWHERE on the guitar. In this article, you began on the third fret, but you can play the scale beginning on any fret you like. The note on which you begin will determine which key you are in.