Modal Scales (Aeolian)

Modal Scales – The Aeolian Mode

The Aeolian is also called the ‘natural’ minor because it does not require accidentals (it is ‘as the key signature’) The Aeolian sounds like a minor scale but differs from the harmonic version in that interval 6-7 is ‘smoothed’ out by becoming a ‘tone’ (whole-step) and the final interval is also a tone (so the ‘finished’ effect is removed) So it sounds like a normal minor until the final stages. Remember how the 2nd half of the melodic minor suddenly sounds like a major scale (ascending)

Listen to the Aeolian mode on ‘A’ Try singing the scales

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Now watch the Video

The 2nd video in the playlist (thumbnail) explains the Locrian Mode

Below are some examples of Aeolian mode scales beginning on other notes.

• The A Aeolian mode starts on A and contains the same notes as the C Major scale. (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, B, A)
• The D Aeolian mode starts on D and contains the same notes as the F Major scale. (F, G, A, Bb, C, D, E, F)
• The Eb Aeolian mode starts on Eb and contains the same notes as the G♭ Major scale. (Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, F, Gb)
• The E Aeolian mode starts on E and contains the same notes as the G Major scale. (G, F#, G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, G)