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ENEN
Standard
Scales
Chords
A
Aeolian
Frets: 0 - 24

Formula
Notes

M2-m2-M2-M2-m2-M2
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
E
B
E
G
D
A
1
F
C
E
B
F
2
A
3
G
D
B
F
C
G
4
E
5
A
C
G
D
A
6
B
F
E
B
7
D
A
8
C
G
E
B
F
C
9
10
D
A
F
C
G
D
11
E
B
E
12
G
D
A
13
F
C
E
B
F
14
A
15
G
D
B
F
C
G
16
E
17
A
C
G
D
A
18
B
F
E
B
19
D
A
20
C
G
E
B
F
C
21
22
D
A
F
C
G
D
23
E
B
E
24

Basic Scale Information

  • Name: Aeolian Scale
  • Type: Diatonic scale (mode of the major scale)
  • Formula: 1 – 2 – ♭3 – 4 – 5 – ♭6 – ♭7
  • Relation with Major Scale: It is the sixth degree of the major scale. For example, A Aeolian contains the same notes as C major.

Theoretical Aspects

  • Sound Character: The Aeolian scale is also known as the natural minor scale. It has a melancholic, emotional, and expressive character. It is balanced in its sadness and very versatile.
  • Typical Chord: m7 (e.g., Am7)
  • Modal Context: It is a 'default' minor scale, used in tonal and modal contexts to evoke feelings of introspection, sadness, or reflection.
  • Harmonic Use: In songs in natural minor keys, but also on minor modal vamps where the typical harmonic cadence of the harmonic minor is not sought.

Musical Context

  1. Musical Styles: Pop, Rock, Folk, Film music, Modal jazz
  2. Songs using the scale:
    • All Along the Watchtower – Bob Dylan
    • Losing My Religion – R.E.M.
    • Mad World – Tears for Fears / Gary Jules
    • House of the Rising Sun – The Animals
  3. Evoked Atmosphere: Introspective, melancholic, reflective, emotionally deep.