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[ C Ionian ] [ Dorian mode ] [ Phrygian mode ] [ Lydian mode ] [ Mixolydian Mode ] [Aeolian mode] [ Locrian mode ] [ Basic major scale fingerings ] [ F major modes ] [ G Modes ] [ Constructing Scales ] [ Key Signatures and constructing major scales ] [ Modulation, cadence, progressions ]

The Aeolian mode and the modes in the key of C major

In this lesson we will be covering the Aeolian mode. The Aeolian mode is the 6th mode in the Major key. In the key of C, the Aeolian mode will be the sixth note in the major key. It is constructed from A to A in the key of C Major. The Aeolian mode is one of my favorite modes.

So far we have covered the C Major or Ionian mode. The Dorian mode or Dm mode and the E Phrygian or Em mode, the F Lydian mode and the G Mixolydian Mode. Now we will learn the A Aeolian mode. A B C D E F G A Try to memorize all the notes in the Am chord. Also, try to memorize all the notes that make up each chord. Remember, each section to the left has the notes of each chord in the key of C major. The notes for the Am chord are A, C and E.

 Look at the image below and this scale should look very familiar to you.

Remember the A minor pentatonic root note fret at the 5th fret? Here it is, but with the F and B notes added. Play the Am F and G progression and give this mode a try.

You would play from the A note Low E string 5th fret to the A note high E string. The tablature for the A Aeolian mode is below.

Tablature below.

 ----------------------------------------------5-7-8--
 --------------------------------------5-6-8----------
 ------------------------------5-7--------------------
 --------------------5-7-9----------------------------
 ----------5-7-8--------------------------------------
 -5-7-8-----------------------------------------------

Can you remember playing from C to C? The reason why I ask is significant. You can play C Ionian in this position and Am Aeolian along with Am pentatonic. These two scales share the same notes and key signature. Neither of the scales have any sharps or flats.

The Aeolian mode is the natural minor to the key of C major. The Aeolian mode shares the same key signature as C major. There are no sharps or flats in the A Aeolian mode. If you were to play lead using this mode, you would play it over the Am chords and an Am progression. You can use the the A Aeolian mode to play over all the chords in the key of A minor or C major.

The last mode we need to learn is the Locrian mode. The Locrian mode is a diminished mode.

Good luck,

Guitar Secrets