E Aeolian scale
The E Aeolian scale is a 7-note aeolian scale built on the root E. Its notes are E, F♯, G, A, B, C and D. Identical to natural minor - the classic minor mode of the Western system. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make E Aeolian a great tool for improvising and composing.
Aeolian is just natural minor under a different name. It dominates pop, rock and folk in minor keys. Reach for it any time you want a warm, melancholic mood. Built on the root E, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where E is a comfortable tonal centre.
E Aeolian on the piano
E Aeolian on the guitar
E Aeolian on the staff
Hear the E Aeolian scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the E Aeolian scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | E |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | F♯(F#) |
| 3 | 3m | 3 | G |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | A |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | B |
| 6 | 6m | 8 | C |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | D |
Diatonic chords of E Aeolian
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
Modes from E Aeolian
Each note of this scale produces a different mode with its own character.
How to use the E Aeolian scale
The diatonic chords of E Aeolian are: i = Em, ii° = F♯°, III = G, iv = Am, v = Bm, VI = C, VII = D. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in E Aeolian. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Aeolian is just natural minor under a different name. It dominates pop, rock and folk in minor keys. Reach for it any time you want a warm, melancholic mood.
Practice tips
Treat aeolian as natural minor for practice purposes. Compare it to its relative major to lock in the position relationships.
Famous songs
E Aeolian appears throughout aeolian is just natural minor under a different name. it dominates pop, rock and folk in minor keys. reach for it any time you want a warm, melancholic mood. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Scales related to E Aeolian
Once you are comfortable with E Aeolian, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with E Aeolian and are a natural next step in your study.
Formula & step pattern
The E Aeolian scale follows the natural minor pattern (W-H-W-W-H-W-W), identical to the natural minor scale. Step pattern: W - H - W - W - H - W - W. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2M · 3m · 4P · 5P · 6m · 7m. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the E Aeolian scale?
What is the formula for the E Aeolian scale?
Is E Aeolian a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the E Aeolian scale?
Which genres use E Aeolian?
What is the relative key of E Aeolian?
How do I practise the E Aeolian scale?
Take E Aeolian into your music
Build progressions, find chord voicings and improvise with confidence using our music tools.