The Aeolian mode is the 6th mode of the major scale and is identical to the natural minor scale. Starting on A, its notes are A – B – C – D – E – F – G, following the interval pattern W–H–W–W–H–W–W. It is the most used minor mode in Western music — any song described as being 'in a minor key' is almost certainly using Aeolian.
The Aeolian Mode (Natural Minor) is the 6th mode of the major scale — a distinct scale with its own unique character, built by starting on the 6th note of any major scale. Here's everything you need to know about how it sounds, where it's used, and how to play it.
Notes in the Aeolian Mode (Natural Minor) (starting on A)
Intervals: W–H–W–W–H–W–W
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Character & Sound
Dark, melancholic, and emotionally rich. Aeolian is simply the natural minor scale — the most common minor mode and the foundation of all minor key music.
Aeolian IS the natural minor scale. Ionian is the major scale — Aeolian starts on the 6th degree of a major scale. Same notes as C major starting from A gives you A Aeolian (A natural minor).
Virtually all minor key music: classical, rock, pop, folk. The most used mode after Ionian. Any song described as being 'in minor' is almost certainly using Aeolian (or one of its variants).
Most minor key songs. Metallica 'Nothing Else Matters', Ed Sheeran 'The A Team', classical minor pieces
How to Build Any Aeolian Mode (Natural Minor)
The Aeolian Mode (Natural Minor) is the scale you get when you start on the 6th note of any major scale and play all the same notes to the next octave. For example:
- C major scale: C D E F G A B → start on A → gives you A Aeolian (A – B – C – D – E – F – G)
- You can build a Aeolian Mode (Natural Minor) starting on any note by applying the formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Explore Every Mode with Audio
The MusoKit Scale Explorer lets you see and hear every mode in any key — guitar, piano, and bass.
Open Scale Explorer →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Aeolian Mode (Natural Minor)?
The Aeolian Mode (Natural Minor) is the 6th mode of the major scale — built by starting on the 6th degree and using the same notes as the parent major scale. Starting on A: A – B – C – D – E – F – G.
What is the difference between Aeolian Mode (Natural Minor) and the major scale?
Aeolian IS the natural minor scale. Ionian is the major scale — Aeolian starts on the 6th degree of a major scale. Same notes as C major starting from A gives you A Aeolian (A natural minor).
What music uses the Aeolian Mode (Natural Minor)?
Virtually all minor key music: classical, rock, pop, folk. The most used mode after Ionian. Any song described as being 'in minor' is almost certainly using Aeolian (or one of its variants).
Is Aeolian Mode (Natural Minor) major or minor?
Aeolian is the natural minor scale — it is definitively minor. Its tonic chord is minor, and it sounds melancholic and dark.
How do I practise the Aeolian Mode (Natural Minor)?
Learn the notes starting on A (A – B – C – D – E – F – G), then play over a backing track using that root chord. Use the MusoKit Scale Explorer to see finger positions on guitar and piano.
See also: Scale Explorer · All 7 Modes Explained · Circle of Fifths