Diatonic Modes

Explore the seven modes
of the major scale

Brightness Scale
DarkBright

Legend

Root note
Characteristic notes
Scale notes

Modal Explorer

Interactive music theory tool

Current Mode
C Ionian (Major)
120
-6db

About This Mode

The major scale, the foundation of Western music. Built on the 1st degree of itself.

Mood:Happy, bright, stable, resolved
Brightness:6/7

Scale Degrees

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Interactive Keyboard

Click on the keys to hear individual notes. Scale notes are highlighted in blue, the root note in red, and characteristic notes in purple.

C3D3E3F3G3A3B3C4D4E4F4G4A4B4C5

Diatonic Chords

Click any chord to hear it. These are the naturally occurring chords when you harmonize the ionian mode in C.

How to Use

Getting Started

  • Select a mode from the left sidebar
  • Choose a root note and octave
  • Click "Play Scale" to hear the mode
  • Experiment with different keys and modes

Understanding Modes

  • Each mode has a unique interval pattern
  • Characteristic notes define the mode's flavor
  • Brightness indicates how "major" or "minor" it sounds
  • Try comparing parallel modes (same root)

Modal Explorer - Built with Next.js, Tone.js, and TypeScript

An interactive music theory learning tool