scale
Fretboard diagram
E aeolian scale — chords and intervals
Harmonizing the E aeolian scale produces the standard natural minor chord family, the emotional backbone of countless songs across genres. Its chord pattern provides a direct path to melancholy, longing, and dramatic storytelling. The diatonic chords of E aeolian are Em7, F#m7b5, GMaj7, Am7, Bm7, CMaj7, D7. The i-bVI-bVII progression is one of the most powerful in rock and pop, while i-iv-bVI-bVII creates an anthemic, ascending energy. The absence of a dominant V gives Aeolian progressions a gentler, more resigned quality compared to harmonic minor. Commonly used in Rock, Pop, Metal, Gothic, Folk. Notable players include Led Zeppelin, Radiohead, Iron Maiden.
The E aeolian scale has the following degrees: 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7.
Intervals: W-H-W-W-H-W-W.
Diatonic chords: Em7, F#m7b5, GMaj7, Am7, Bm7, CMaj7, D7.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | Em7 |
| ii | F#m7b5 |
| iii | GMaj7 |
| IV | Am7 |
| V | Bm7 |
| vi | CMaj7 |
| vii° | D7 |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (Em7) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (F#m7b5) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (GMaj7) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (Am7) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (Bm7) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (CMaj7) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (D7) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the E aeolian scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the E aeolian scale on guitar.
aeolian is the 6th mode of the Major scale. View E Major scale
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over minor triads, m7 chords. The standard minor scale for rock and pop. Lacks the leading tone needed for classical V-i resolutions.