All Modes
Degree VI

Aeolian Mode

Natural Minor, Sad & Emotional

Interval Formula
W H W W H W W
C 1
D 2
Eb 3
F 4
G 5
Ab 6
Bb 7
C

Overview

Aeolian is the natural minor scale, the 6th mode of the major scale. It is the most common minor mode in popular music, carrying a deeply emotional, melancholic quality. Countless rock ballads, pop songs, and classical works are built on Aeolian.

The Aeolian mode contains a minor 3rd, minor 6th, and minor 7th, all contributing to its sad, dark quality. Unlike Dorian (raised 6th) or Phrygian (lowered 2nd), Aeolian is the "unaltered" minor experience. The i - bVI - bVII chord sequence is one of the most popular progressions in rock and pop, often called the "Andalusian cadence" when descending.

Pro Tip: A minor = A Aeolian. If you know natural minor, you know Aeolian. They are the same thing.

Famous Examples

  • Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin
  • All Along the Watchtower by Bob Dylan / Hendrix
  • Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd
  • Nothing Else Matters by Metallica

Characteristic Chord Progression

i – bVI – bVII – i
In Am: Am – F major – G major – Am

Common Genres

PopRockClassicalMetalBallads

Visualize Aeolian Mode

See Aeolian highlighted on a piano keyboard. Change the root note to explore all 12 keys.

Mode Ionian
Root C
Character Bright & Major
Scale Notes
Interval Pattern