Piano Aeolian Scales - overview with pictures (2024)

FAQs

What is the Aeolian scale on the piano? ›

That means that, in A aeolian (or A minor), you would play A, move up a whole step (two piano keys) to B, move up a half step (one piano key) to C, then up a whole step to D, a whole step to E, a half step to F, a whole step to G, and a final whole step to a high A.

The minor scale is the pattern in western music typically associated with sad feelings. It includes three different variations called the natural minor scale (or Aeolian mode), the melodic minor scale and the harmonic minor scale.

The notes of the C# Aeolian scale are C# D# E F# G# A B. It's key signature has 4 sharps. Press play to listen to the scale. Click the virtual piano or the notation to hear each note.

All major scales follow the same formula of whole and half steps: W-W-H-W-W-W-H. Half-steps are when two keys on the piano are right next to each other, while whole steps have a key in between. Here are some examples of whole and half steps: The notes of a scale are called scale degrees.

"Aeolian mode" and "natural minor" are the same, to all intents and purposes, but "the minor key" is a more complex entity, which employs a scale with variable 6th and 7th degrees, as well as various harmonic conventions.

Whether or not Aeolian was forced by market conditions to uphold the tradition of quality that the company banked on early on, we have found that the pianos that were made under the Aeolian name are usually well built and deserving of repair and restoration.

The minor pentatonic scale is an amazing scale that can create stunningly beautiful riffs, runs, and melodies. It is a fantastic way to start improvising and exploring in minor keys because there are only 5 notes!

Chopin always started his students with these keys and ended with C major as the most physically difficult. Unfortunately, nowadays C major is almost without exception the first piano scale learned, since the most difficult to play is also the easiest to read.

To create a spooky atmosphere, you can experiment with minor key signatures, such as D minor or A minor, which often evoke a sense of unease.

What is the difference between Aeolian and Dorian scale? ›

Quick answer is that Dorian and Aeolian are both “minor” scales, and they're similar, but for one note. Aeolian has a minor 6th, Dorian a major one. The diatonically correct one over the II chord is the Dorian mode; it will have the “right” 6th. The sixth note of an Aeolian scale will be out of key.

Most commonly, the Phrygian mode is used to introduce some sense of intensity or darkness to music. Despite its signature chord (♭II) having a major tonality, its strong tendency to resolve towards the minor root (i) often helps it hit even harder than it might in natural minor keys.

Tips for how to learn piano scales

Use an online metronome. This is a traditional method of building even, speedy scales that still stays popular, because it works! Try a different key every week. This will help you learn your keys and key signatures.

Piano scales are sets of notes used as a foundation for composing piano music. The most common scales in piano music are the major and minor scales, which have seven different tones with a consistent pattern of whole steps and half steps between them.

Major Scales. Major scales seem to be the most commonly used in music and particularly in the beginning stages, you will come across them most often. They are also the simplest to understand and begin playing.

The Aeolian mode starts on the sixth scale degree of the major scale, and is also known as the natural minor scale. The Aeolian mode is built using the following pattern of steps: W H W W H W W (whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step).

As a general rule of thumb, pianos produced by Aeolian in the mid-1900s range in unrestored value. While some of the better-known and more value brands like Steck, Chickering and Weber can be exceptions, many Aeolian's found today are considered middle-tier pianos in quality, tone and value.

The key of C# minor (fourth row up from the bottom) has four sharps in its key signature, and they are F#, C#, G# and D#.