⌘K

G Aeolian scale

The G Aeolian scale is a 7-note aeolian scale built on the root G. Its notes are G, A, B♭, C, D, E♭ and F. 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 G 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 G, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where G is a comfortable tonal centre.

G Aeolian on the piano

Show:
Piano keyboard highlighting the G Aeolian scale notesCDFGACDFGAE♭B♭E♭B♭G Aeolian - G · A · B♭ · C · D · E♭ · F

G Aeolian on the guitar

Show:
Position:
Guitar fretboard highlighting the G Aeolian scale noteseBGDAEFGAB♭CDE♭CDE♭FGAB♭GAB♭CDE♭FGDE♭FGAB♭CDAB♭CDE♭FGAFGAB♭CDE♭G Aeolian - fr 012

G Aeolian on the staff

Hear the G Aeolian scale

G Aeolian
G · A · B♭ · C · D · E♭ · F
GAB♭CDE♭F

Improvisation drone

Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.

G Aeolian
G

Notes of the G Aeolian scale

Notes: G · A · B♭ · C · D · E♭ · FStep pattern: W - H - W - W - H - W - W
DegreeIntervalSemitonesNote
11P0G
22M2A
33m3B♭(Bb)
44P5C
55P7D
66m8E♭(Eb)
77m10F

Diatonic chords of G Aeolian

These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.

Modes from G Aeolian

Each note of this scale produces a different mode with its own character.

How to use the G Aeolian scale

The diatonic chords of G Aeolian are: i = Gm, ii° = A°, III = B♭, iv = Cm, v = Dm, VI = E♭, VII = F. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in G 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

G 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.

Once you are comfortable with G Aeolian, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with G Aeolian and are a natural next step in your study.

Formula & step pattern

Formula
1P · 2M · 3m · 4P · 5P · 6m · 7m
Step pattern
W - H - W - W - H - W - W

The G 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 G Aeolian scale?
The G Aeolian scale contains G, A, B♭, C, D, E♭ and F.
What is the formula for the G Aeolian scale?
G Aeolian follows the natural minor pattern (W-H-W-W-H-W-W), identical to the natural minor scale.
Is G Aeolian a major or minor scale?
G Aeolian is a aeolian scale. Identical to natural minor - the classic minor mode of the Western system.
What chords belong to the G Aeolian scale?
The diatonic chords of G Aeolian are Gm, A°, B♭, Cm, Dm, E♭, F.
Which genres use G Aeolian?
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.
What is the relative key of G Aeolian?
The relative key of G Aeolian shares the same notes but starts on a different root. It's built on a different degree of the scale and gives the same key signature a contrasting tonal centre.
How do I practise the G Aeolian scale?
Treat aeolian as natural minor for practice purposes. Compare it to its relative major to lock in the position relationships.

Take G Aeolian into your music

Build progressions, find chord voicings and improvise with confidence using our music tools.