Aeolian Mode – The Sixth Position of the Major Scale

ByDanny Cruz

The major scale sixth position is based on the shape of the Aelian mode. The Aeolian mode itself is based on the sixth degree of the major scale. In the key of G, this note is E. Note that the 6th note of the major scale is the relative minor. So guess what? The Aeolian Mode is the Natural Minor Scale! The E Aeolian Mode could be played in the key of G major (as the 6th position of the scale) or in the key of E minor. To play the E Aeolian Mode, begin with the first note at the 6th string 12 fret E. Note that the natural minor scale lessons are based around this mode and also in the relative minor of G, E minor.

If you learn all these shapes in the major scale, it means you’ve also learned all the shapes of the natural minor scale. They simple start in the Aeolian mode. Keep in mind that on their own, the modes are standalone scales with their own formulas to build them. They just happen to have a direct relationship with the major and natural minor scales.

Danny Cruz

Danny Cruz is creative designer and web developer who has been playing music since 1996. It all started with drums. One thing led to another and a lot of time has been productively spent on guitar and bass since. He started SixStringSensei.com in 2005 to document his trajectory on guitar.

Pentatonic Minor Scale
Pentatonic Minor First Mode
ByDanny Cruz
The First Position of the Pentatonic Major Scale Since we did the major pentatonic in the key of G, we will do the minor pentatonic it’s relative minor, the key of E minor. Don’t forget you can transpose the scale to any key simply by placing the first note in the pattern over the correct…
Read More Pentatonic Minor First Mode
Natural Minor Scale
Ionian Mode – The Third Position of the Natural Minor Scale
ByDanny Cruz
Ionian Mode – The Third Position of the Natural Minor Scale. The third position or degree of the natural minor scale is the Ionian mode shape. We’re calling it that so we can remember the shape more easily.. However, remember that it’s a scale on it’s only, and in fact it’s actually the major scale….
Read More Ionian Mode – The Third Position of the Natural Minor Scale
Major Scale
Locrian Mode – The Seventh Position of the Major Scale
ByDanny Cruz
The Locrian Mode is based around the 7th note of the major scale. In the G of key, this 7th note is F#. This is the other mode that shares the same pattern as another mode. Look closely. This is the same pattern as the Ionian mode but has that extra note at the beginning…
Read More Locrian Mode – The Seventh Position of the Major Scale
Pentatonic Minor Scale
Pentatonic Minor Fifth Mode
ByDanny Cruz
The Fifth Position of the Pentatonic Minor Scale Continuing in the key of E minor we will now play the fifth position or mode of the E minor pentatonic scale. The fifth note in the scale of E minor pentatonic is D, so we will begin this fifth mode on the D at the 6th…
Read More Pentatonic Minor Fifth Mode
Major Scale
Lydian Mode – The Fourth Position of the Major Scale
ByDanny Cruz
The Lydian Mode is based on the fourth note of the major scale. In the key of G, this 4th note would be C. This is one of the modes that I mentioned shares the same pattern as a different mode. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the pattern is the same as that…
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Introductory Lessons
Become a Great All Around Guitar Player – Part 2
ByDanny Cruz
Part 2 of the “Become a Great All Around Guitar Player” series goes into detail about the different levels you should aim to achieve. We also look into things to do in order to avoid falling into a guitar progression rut.
Read More Become a Great All Around Guitar Player – Part 2

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