Music Theory Series: Aeolian Mode

Today we know Aeolian Mode as the Natural Minor Scale. This is by far my favorite of all the modes and lots of my music is in Aeolian Mode.

Let’s take a look at A Aeolian on the treble staff.

Let’s see this on the piano keyboard below in yellow.

As you can see, A Aeolian is the same as the A natural minor scale.

The steps of Aeolian Mode are Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole.

So you could start the mode on the note C and you would get the C Minor scale.

If you’re playing some of my music then chances are you’re playing in Aeolian Mode, and if you’re practicing minor scales you’re practicing Aeolian Mode.

Aeolian Mode is an incredibly popular mode and there are plenty of examples in music using Aeolian Mode. Here are a handful as an example…

Hello by Adele

Losing My Religion by REM

Halloween Theme by John Carpenter

I Burn For You by Sting

In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins

Until next time practice building and playing your Aeolian Mode!

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