What is an Aeolian Mode?

The Aeolian mode is one of the seven musical modes and is the same as the natural minor scale. It has a darker and more emotional sound compared to the major scale. The pattern of intervals for the Aeolian mode is: whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step.

For example, the A Aeolian mode includes the notes A, B, C, D, E, F, and G before returning to A an octave higher. These notes are the same as those found in the C major scale, but the tonal center begins on A instead of C. Because the third, sixth, and seventh notes are lowered compared to the major scale, the Aeolian mode produces the characteristic minor sound.

The Aeolian mode is widely used in many musical styles including classical, rock, pop, metal, and film music. It is often used to create emotional, dramatic, or reflective melodies and chord progressions. Because it corresponds directly to the natural minor scale, the Aeolian mode is one of the most commonly used modes in music.