- Em shape
Aeolian Em shape
The 2nd most common scale shape for guitar solos!Go to Aeolian Em shape.
- Am shape
Aeolian Am shape
Learn how to play the Am shape Aeolian mode!Go to Aeolian Am shape.
- Dm shape
Aeolian Dm shape
Learn how to play the Dm shape Aeolian mode!Go to Aeolian Dm shape.
- Gm shape
Aeolian Gm shape
Learn how to play the Gm shaped Aeolian mode!Go to Aeolian Gm shape.
- Cm shape
Aeolian Cm shape
Learn how to play the Cm shaped Aeolian mode!Go to Aeolian Cm shape.
- Connect Shapes
Connect Aeolian Shapes
Learn how to Connect all Aeolian shapes!Go to Connect Aeolian Shapes.
- Cycle Of 4ths
Aeolian Cycle Of 4ths
Run the Aeolian mode through the Cycle Of 4thsGo to Aeolian Cycle Of 4ths.
- Improvisation
Aeolian Improvisation
Learn how to improvise with the Aeolian mode!Go to Aeolian Improvisation.
The Aeolian mode belongs to the VI chord!
Also known as the natural minor scale, the Aeolian mode is the most common minor mode.
Most big hits in minor are at home in Aeolian.
The best way to approach this scale is to add two notes to the minor pentatonic scale.
Study the diagram below and make sure you can see the connection between the Aeolian mode and the minor pentatonic scale.
Only two notes have been added, the 2nd and the b6th!
| Minor Pentatonic: | 1 |
m3 |
4 |
5 |
b7 |
||
| Aeolian: | 2 |
b6 |
Character: Aeolian is often referred to as having a sad sound
Soloing: Use Aeolian when you play busy rock solos or whenever you play over the VI chord.
Practice the Aeolian mode like this:
- Chord shape
- Minor Pentatonic
- add 2nd
- Minor Pentatonic
- add b6th
- Minor Pentatonic
- Aeolian
- Chord shape
To see the Aeolian mode move around the guitar neck in different keys and shapes, use Chordacus.
Aeolian Mode History
As all modes derive from the ancient music theory of Greece the Aeolian, or Eolian mode was first seen as a mode off Dorian.
Throughout music history the mode has been adopted and simplified into modern times diatonic scale where it sits comfortably at chord VI.
Learn more about the Aeolian mode and its history from Wikipedia, to find it on the guitar; start practicing according to the video exercises above.
According to the Guitar Conspiracy, the Aeolian mode works in popular music as an extension of the minor pentatonic in order to maintain a connection with the blues when phrasing.
