Aolian Mode

Aolian Mode is the Greek term for natural minor. They are the same. They are interchangeable. Two names, same scale. If you start on 'A', and play each natural note of the Melodic alphabet (that is, no sharps, no flats) you will be playing 'A' natural minor, or 'A' aolian. The chords that naturally occur in 'A' aolian follow:

Am - Bdim - C - Dm - Em - F - G

The Bdim is usually ignored, rarely used. The remaining chords are used in many popular songs.

Use the G form scale, and treat the first finger on the 'E' string as the root (6th note of the scale form). For 'A' aolian, put your first finger on the 5th fret of the E string (which is an 'A'). For 'B' aolian, put your first finger on the 7th fret of the E string (which is a 'B'). Place your finger accordingly for whatever key you are in.



The progressions follow:

That Smell( The Essential Lynyrd Skynyrd [2-CD SET] )

Use G form scale, first finger at 5th fret.
F - G - Am - Am - F - G - Am - Am

All Along The Watchtower( Experience Hendrix: The Best Of Jimi Hendrix )

Use G form scale, first finger at 7th fret.
Bm - A - G - A - Bm

Riders On The Storm( The Best Of The Doors )

12 bar blues, one measure each chord, minor 5 chord makes it Aolian.

Use G form scale, open position, or first finger at 12th fret to play up the octave.
Em - Em - Em - Em
Am - Am - Em - Em
Bm - Am - Em - Em


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