Natural Minor Scale (Aeolian)

The natural minor scale, also called the Aeolian mode, is the standard minor sound: darker than major, a little sad, and full of drama. It's the scale behind countless rock ballads, metal riffs, pop hits and film themes. It has the same notes as the major scale a minor 3rd higher (A minor shares its notes with C major), but with A as home everything sounds different.

This chapter uses A minor. The first lesson, free for everyone, gives you the formula, five positions plus a three-notes-per-string pattern, the chords built from the scale and how to move it to other keys. You'll also meet its signature note, the b6, which sets it apart from Dorian. The second lesson builds technique: full-position runs, groups of three, diatonic 3rds and a line that shifts between positions. The third lesson puts it over an Am-F-G vamp, with two original licks that target chord tones and lean on the b6.

Every exercise plays in the browser, so you can hear the mood before you play it.