The ‘happiest’ sounding of the modes, the Ionian is identical to the major scale, so it’s highly likely you’re already playing it on guitar. However, things really come alive when you ...

Ionian mode Because the major scale is so common, it is rarely referred to as the Ionian mode. Its bright, happy sound is great for upbeat tracks and soaring melodies.

The Ionian mode is another name for the major scale, so you may already know it. Its happy sound is perfect for our indie-pop style lick or general bright major-key soloing.

Read more: What is the point of practising scales? How many modes are there? The seven main categories of mode have been part of musical notation since the middle ages. So, the list goes: Ionian, ...

This bright but unusual sounding mode became popular among shredders after Joe Satriani and Steve Vai used it in the 80s. Here, Stuart Ryan explains what gives the Lydian mode its signature sound ...