The Aeolian mode (Natural Minor) is the standard minor scale. It sounds dark, sad, and introspective. This is the relative minor of the major scale and the basis for most minor key music.
Scale Formula
1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 - natural minor. Semitone pattern: W H W W H W W
Fretboard (C Aeolian)
Toggle to interval view and compare with Dorian. The only difference is the 6th degree - Aeolian has b6 while Dorian has natural 6.
Common Chords
Minor triad (1 b3 5), Minor 7th (1 b3 5 b7), Minor 9th (1 b3 5 b7 9), Minor 11th.
Diatonic Harmony
Improvisation Context
Play over minor 7th chords functioning as a vi chord, or as the tonic minor in minor keys. The b6 distinguishes Aeolian from Dorian.
Characteristic Note
The b6 is what makes Aeolian darker than Dorian. It creates a half-step tension against the 5th, pulling the ear downward. This is the note that gives minor key ballads their melancholy quality. The b6-to-5 resolution is one of the most expressive gestures in minor key melody.
Practice
Play C Aeolian over a Cm7 drone. Then switch to C Dorian over the same drone - hear how raising the 6th (Ab to A) brightens the mood without losing the minor quality. Practice the classic minor progression: Cm - Abmaj - Bbmaj - Cm (i - bVI - bVII - i). All three chords come from Aeolian and define the sound of minor key pop and rock.