The Aeolian mode or the Natural Minor Scale is one of the first scales I (and probably other people) have learned. Many guitarists are already partially introduced to it via the minor pentatonic scale. You just need to add the Major 2nd and Minor 6th.
Aeolian serves as the basis for minor scale harmony. But it is far from being basic.So much beautiful music has been made using it. It is usable in virtually any style. You can use it to write very dark and moody music, but also sweet and melancholic textures (and everything in between).
And of course using a certain scale / mode is definitely not some kind of magic trick to instantly make your music great, but it definitely is a way to explore new progressions, colours and melodic options.
For this video I have written 6 Aeolian/Minor chord progressions in 5 different styles to show you how versatile it can be. Also I will show some tips and tricks for when you want to write your own minor chord progressions and melodies.
I hope this will spark some creativity and hopefully give some fresh ideas for new chord progressions!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbfAeN0DisQ&list=PLqIfZnCVJX8Qwpu35Q4S3rT5W4HRMl-Pc&index=2
**Here are the progressions that are in this tutorial:**
Example 1 in Am:
In this simple i - iv progression you have almost all important notes of aeolian. Only the major 2nd is not present. But you can add this to your melody (which is B in this example)
Am - Dm
Example 2 in Am:
The same situation as example 1, but now the minor 6th is missing. Again you can use the minor 6th, the F in this case in your melody to strongly confirm the naturlal/aeolian scale.
Am - Em
Example 3 in C#m:
This chord progression has been used in practically all music. Ranging from Led Zeppelin, Gotye and even Shawn Mendes.
C#m - B - A - B
Example 4 in Em:
In natural minor/aeolian you can make a nice i-iv-v progression. But it sounds a lot softer, because you are missing the major dominant on your V scale degree.
Em - Am - Bm
Example 5 in C#m:
When you want your minor progression to sound more radiant, then try this one by adding some major chords.
C#m - E - A - C#m
Example 6 in Am:
Chord progressions on a pedal tone are great for exploring new textures and the sounds of a mode.
Am - F/A - Dm/A - Am
Am - G/A - Bdim/A - Am
Submitted February 13, 2022 at 12:15PM by Learningmusicskills https://www.reddit.com/r/Learnmusic/comments/srkstp/6_aeolian_minor_chord_progressions_and_how_you/?utm_source=ifttt
Javier Rodriguez
Sunday, February 13, 2022