The Aeolian mode is the natural minor scale. It's the most common minor sound, characterized by its sad, melancholic quality.
Key Characteristics
- •Minor 3rd (fundamental minor sound)
- •Minor 6th (darker than Dorian)
- •Minor 7th
- •Classic "sad" minor sound
Famous Examples
- Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin
- All Along the Watchtower - Bob Dylan
- Losing My Religion - R.E.M.
Rock
Pop
Classical
Folk
Metal
Quick Tips
- 1.The go-to scale for minor keys
- 2.Emphasize the minor 3rd for emotional impact
- 3.Works over any minor chord progression
- 4.Compare with Dorian to hear the difference the 6th makes