The aeolian mode. We can also
call it the natural minor scale or just natural minor.
Together with the major scale, the natural minor scale is probably one
of the first ones that you ever learned. And for all the guitarists out there, via the
minor pentatonic scale you've been actually already partially introduced to the aeolian mode.
It is one of the primary modes or scales but please don't underestimate how much beautiful
and impactful music has been written using it. So let's explore some aeolian chord
progressions and let's get creative! To show you just how beautiful and versatile
the aeolian mode actually is, i composed six different examples in five different styles.
I've written a guitar, electronic pop, singer songwriter, orchestral and piano music example.
And so that everybody can follow along, like my other videos all the examples have
notes, midi, tabs, chords and roman numerals. In my videos on the other minor modes i show
you how you can derive them by using the natural minor scale or the aeolian mode.
But now comes the question: how do you actually make a minor scale?
To make the minor scale in any key, we need to follow this blueprint
of whole steps and half steps. We make a whole step, a half step, a whole step,
a whole step, half step, whole step, whole step. All the minor modes have a minor third
in them, but what distinguishes aeolian from the other minor modes is the
fact that it has a major second. And it has the heavy sound of
the minor sixth scale degree. To find out what chords we can play in for
example A minor, we use the A minor scale and we simply build a triad on each scale degree
by using only notes from the A minor scale. And voila there we have it, we have
our complete harmonic resource! What if i told you that you only needed two
chords to make a minor chord progression? To make it easy, this progression is in A minor.
The A and C in your A minor chord they accentuate the tonic and the minor third.
While the Dm it has the F in it, which is the minor sixth skill degree.
If you also want to emphasize the major second scale degree then you can subtly find places
where to add this in your melody for example. And in this case by tastefully
adding the B to your melody you really get a good sound. And
plus it sounds great on both chords! The same goes for the beautiful chord vamp of A
minor to E minor. The E minor has the B in it, which is the major second scale degree.
But what about the minor sixth scale degree? In this case the F it's missing
in these two chords in the A and E minor. So again we need to subtly add this in our melody and this can especially sound spicy
when you put the F on the E minor chord! The next chord progression is one
of the most popular minor chord progressions and rightfully so.
It's the fundament of countless songs and compositions.
And what makes this chord progression so powerful is not only the smooth
stepwise motion, but also the fact that it has all the important notes of the aeolian mode in it.
The major second and the minor sixth scale degree. This chord progression has proven
to be an inspiration to great jams, writing sessions and improvisations.
Have a listen for yourself. If you like this one be sure to check
out my songwriting example later. Because that one is just too good not to use! Oh, and this reminds me of the most famous
minor chord progression of all times! All the greats have used it for example: Led
Zeppelin, The Beatles, Bach, Purcell, you name it. I've made a full-blown episode on how to make six
beautiful chord progressions using the Lament Bass and the Andalusian Cadence as it's called.
I promise you this one won't disappoint. The cool thing about the aeolian mode or natural
minor is that you can play a 1-4-5 progression. And this is the mother of all progressions!
But there's one thing that's strange about it because all the chords are minor. So what
you're missing is this powerful sound of a major dominant chord going back to your one.
So the result is that the progression will sound a bit softer because the
resolution is just not that strong. And even more interesting is the fact that you
can make this progression sound as you like. It can have this cool laid back
sound to it as you're hearing now... Or it can sound more dark and gloomy
or some may say more emotional. Check it out. When you want to make your minor chord
progression more radiant and bright. Then by adding some major chords that would do the trick.
In this next example the contrast between the minor tonic and the major chords is
absolutely beautiful if you ask me. The heavy sound of the A major chord on the minor
sixth scale degree really sets the mood, while the E major on the third scale degree creates
a nice smooth connection from the minor tonic. And it creates a subtle sense of brightness.
Keep an eye on the melody because it subtly accentuates the important notes of the
minor scale, for example the D-sharp which is the major second.
Have a listen for yourself. Just as my other videos on
modal chord progressions, an example with a pedal tone cannot be forgotten.
Because a pedal tone is really the perfect way of discovering all the colors and tones
and textures that a mode has to offer. In short: a pedal tone is when you
hold the bass note and it stays, while your chords on top they change
or while your melody on topic changes. This bass fundament is called a pedal tone.
In the next chord progression i gradually increase the tension and dissonance towards the end.
This to make sure that the listener feels that something is changing and that something is
growing and also that you have a certain sense of resolution at the end.
Have a listen. Here are some quick tips for you to remember.
To start writing in a certain mode it is important that you find the note that is unique
to the mode that you want to create music in. Find out which note it is and
which chord have this note in them. Mainly use these chords and the tonic
chord to strongly confirm the mode. And of course don't underestimate
the power of melody! By subtly accentuating the major second
and minor sixth scale degree you can really communicate different messages
and emotions. And also when necessary you can strongly confirm the mode that you're in. Many composers and musicians prefer
to use the natural minor or aeolian mode to write music in and rightfully so.
Because it's capable of expressing so many different emotions and feelings,
there's no reason not to use it. This playlist teaches you all about beautiful
modal chord progressions and melodies. And this one is all about creative
composition and songwriting techniques. Of course don't forget to like
and subscribe to the channel. And for now...
See you next time!
