The Complete Idiot''s Guide to Music Theory

Chapter 3:Scales

The Intervals of the Ionian

Note Half Steps to Next Note

Tonic 2

Second 2

Third 1

Fourth 2

Fifth 2

Sixth 2

Seventh 1

The C Ionian mode consists of the following notes:

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The C Ionian mode—just like the C Major scale.

Dorian

The Dorian mode can be thought of as starting on the second note of a major
scale. It sounds a little like a natural minor scale, but with a raised sixth. (To get
an idea what Dorian mode sounds like, listen to the Simon & Garfunkel song
“Scarborough Fair”; it’s composed entirely in Dorian mode.)

The intervals between notes in the Dorian mode are as follows.

The Intervals of Dorian Mode

Note Half Steps to Next Note

Tonic 2

Second 1

Third 2

Fourth 2

Fifth 2

Sixth 1

Seventh 2

D Dorian is relative to the key of C, and consists of the following notes:

D Dorian mode, relative to the key of C.