The Aeolian mode belongs to the VI chord!
Also known as the natural minor scale, the Aeolian mode is the most common minor mode.
Most big hits in minor are at home in Aeolian.
The best way to approach this scale is to add two notes to the minor pentatonic scale.
Study the diagram below and make sure you can see the connection between the Aeolian mode and the minor pentatonic scale.
Only two notes have been added, the 2nd and the b6th!
| Minor Pentatonic: | 1 |
m3 |
4 |
5 |
b7 |
||
| Aeolian: | 2 |
b6 |
Character: Aeolian is often referred to as having a sad sound
Soloing: Use Aeolian when you play busy rock solos or whenever you play over the VI chord.
Practice the Aeolian mode like this:
- Chord shape
- Minor Pentatonic
- add 2nd
- Minor Pentatonic
- add b6th
- Minor Pentatonic
- Aeolian
- Chord shape
To see the Aeolian mode move around the guitar neck in different keys and shapes, use Chordacus.










