Aeolian

The Aeolian mode is very similar to the Dorian: it has a flatted third and seventh, but it also has a flatted sixth. This flatted sixth makes a tremendous difference, giving it a much darker feel.

To make the Aeolian mode in any key, flat the third, sixth, and seventh degrees of the scale.

Here are the notes and intervals for C Aeolian.

C Aeolian

Notes	C	D	E ♭	F	G	A ♭	B ♭
Intervals	1	2	♭ 3	4	5	♭ 6	♭ 7
Intervals		Whole step	Half step	Whole step	Whole step	Half step	Whole step

♭=flatted The Aeolian mode is a popular mode for Heavy Metal guitarists, and is used in hundreds of songs. The Aeolian mode also can be described as brooding, and this makes it a good choice for music with a similar feel. Here are chords that work well with the Aeolian mode: Minor triads, Minor 7th, Minor ♭6, Minor 7th/9th with a ♭6.

Listen to Aeolian w/gtr, which has Rob giving the mode a workout. Then you can practice C Aeolian by jamming to the IntroTrack, Aeolian w/out gtr.

When you want to hear the Aeolian mode in a musical setting, check out Ode to Jimi and Jimmy w/gtr. Rob pays homage to these two great guitarists and shows how the Aeolian mode adds color to rock solos. Now try playing along with Ode to Jimi and Jimmy.

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