Mode
Aeolian Mode
The Aeolian mode is the sixth mode of the major scale and is identical to the natural minor scale, dark and melancholic in character.
Each key below opens the full reference entry — keyboard diagram, audio, fingerings, and notation.
Aeolian mode IS the natural minor scale
Two names for the same notes — browse the Natural Minor Scale pages for fingerings, notation, and audio in all 18 keys. Minor Scale pages ›
Formula: W–H–W–W–H–W–W
Scale degrees: 1–2–♭3–4–5–♭6–♭7
Characteristic note: Minor 6th (♭6) — distinguishes it from Dorian
Sound: Dark, sad, melancholic, heavy
Common in: Rock, pop ballads, classical, film scores, metal
Famous example: Stairway to Heaven — Led Zeppelin (A Aeolian)
How Aeolian differs from Dorian Only one note changes — the 6th degree is lowered by a half step compared to Dorian. This single alteration turns the bright major IV chord into a darker minor iv, and replaces the jazzy warmth of Dorian with the heavier, more melancholic character that defines natural minor.
About the Aeolian Mode
Aeolian mode — the natural minor scale — is the sixth mode of the major scale. It is the most common minor scale in Western music, producing the melancholic, expressive, and introspective sound associated with minor keys. Every minor key center in traditional harmony is based on the Aeolian mode.
The C Minor scale is a diatonic minor scale that consists of eight notes: C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, and Bb (returning to C). It follows the minor scale step pattern of W-H-W-W-H-W-W and contains three flats. It is closely related to the C Minor chord. Like all minor scales, it has a darker, more emotional character widely used across classical, pop, and jazz music.
How Aeolian differs from Dorian Only one note changes — the 6th degree is lowered by a half step compared to Dorian. This single alteration turns the bright major IV chord into a darker minor iv, and replaces the jazzy warmth of Dorian with the heavier, more melancholic character that defines natural minor.
Musical Characteristics
- Natural minor quality — minor third, sixth, and seventh
- Melancholic, expressive, and introspective
- The foundation of all Western minor harmony
- Works over minor chords and i–♭VII–♭VI progressions
Common Uses
- Ballads and emotional pop songs
- Classical compositions in minor keys
- Rock and metal (dark, powerful passages)
- Film scores for sad or dramatic scenes
Common Chord Progressions
Natural minor
i – ♭VII – ♭VI – ♭VII
Minor ballad
i – ♭VI – ♭III – ♭VII
Andalusian cadence
i – ♭VII – ♭VI – V
Famous Examples in Music
- "Stairway to Heaven" — Led Zeppelin
- "Hotel California" — Eagles
- "Nothing Else Matters" — Metallica
- "Mad World" — Tears for Fears
Browse by key
All 18 spellings, ♯ and ♭ keys listed separately.
Aeolian in All 18 Keys
C AeolianNotes: C – D – E♭ – F – G – A♭ – B♭C♯ AeolianNotes: C♯ – D♯ – E – F♯ – G♯ – A – BD♭ AeolianNotes: D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ – B♭♭ – C♭D AeolianNotes: D – E – F – G – A – B♭ – CD♯ AeolianNotes: D♯ – E♯ – F♯ – G♯ – A♯ – B – C♯E♭ AeolianNotes: E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C♭ – D♭E AeolianNotes: E – F♯ – G – A – B – C – DF AeolianNotes: F – G – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭F♯ AeolianNotes: F♯ – G♯ – A – B – C♯ – D – EG♭ AeolianNotes: G♭ – A♭ – B♭♭ – C♭ – D♭ – E♭♭ – F♭G AeolianNotes: G – A – B♭ – C – D – E♭ – FG♯ AeolianNotes: G♯ – A♯ – B – C♯ – D♯ – E – F♯A♭ AeolianNotes: A♭ – B♭ – C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭A AeolianNotes: A – B – C – D – E – F – GA♯ AeolianNotes: A♯ – B♯ – C♯ – D♯ – E♯ – F♯ – G♯B♭ AeolianNotes: B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭B AeolianNotes: B – C♯ – D – E – F♯ – G – AC♭ AeolianNotes: C♭ – D♭ – E♭♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭♭ – B♭♭
Want the full theory? How all seven modes relate, the bright-to-dark spectrum, characteristic notes, and practice strategies.Read the Modes Guide ›