F Aeolian scale
The F Aeolian scale is a 7-note aeolian scale built on the root F. Its notes are F, G, A♭, B♭, C, D♭ and E♭. 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 F 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 F, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where F is a comfortable tonal centre.
F Aeolian on the piano
F Aeolian on the guitar
F Aeolian on the staff
Hear the F Aeolian scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the F Aeolian scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | F |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | G |
| 3 | 3m | 3 | A♭(Ab) |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | B♭(Bb) |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | C |
| 6 | 6m | 8 | D♭(Db) |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | E♭(Eb) |
Diatonic chords of F Aeolian
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
Modes from F Aeolian
Each note of this scale produces a different mode with its own character.
How to use the F Aeolian scale
The diatonic chords of F Aeolian are: i = Fm, ii° = G°, III = A♭, iv = B♭m, v = Cm, VI = D♭, VII = E♭. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in F 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
F 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 F Aeolian
Once you are comfortable with F Aeolian, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with F Aeolian and are a natural next step in your study.
Formula & step pattern
The F 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 F Aeolian scale?
What is the formula for the F Aeolian scale?
Is F Aeolian a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the F Aeolian scale?
Which genres use F Aeolian?
What is the relative key of F Aeolian?
How do I practise the F Aeolian scale?
Take F Aeolian into your music
Build progressions, find chord voicings and improvise with confidence using our music tools.