How do you harmonize the G aeolian scale?

To harmonize G aeolian, stack thirds from each scale degree to build diatonic chords. This produces triads and seventh chords that naturally fit within the key of G aeolian.

G aeolian chords

All guitar chords for the G aeolian scale

Show scale diagram ↓

Chord Voicings

Harmony

Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.

G aeolian scale diatonic chords

IG minor

IIA dim

IIIB♭ major

IVC minor

VD minor

VIE♭ major

VIIF major

G aeolian scale seventh chords

IG m7

IIA m7♭5

IIIB♭ maj7

IVC m7

VD m7

VIE♭ maj7

VIIF 7

scale

Fretboard diagram

G aeolian scale — chords and intervals

Harmonizing the G 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 G aeolian are Gm7, Am7b5, BbMaj7, Cm7, Dm7, EbMaj7, F7. 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 G aeolian scale has the following degrees: 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7.

Intervals: W-H-W-W-H-W-W.

Diatonic chords: Gm7, Am7b5, BbMaj7, Cm7, Dm7, EbMaj7, F7.

Degrees	Chord
I	Gm7
ii	Am7b5
iii	BbMaj7
IV	Cm7
V	Dm7
vi	EbMaj7
vii°	F7

Degree-by-Degree Analysis

The I chord (Gm7) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (Am7b5) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (BbMaj7) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (Cm7) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (Dm7) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (EbMaj7) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (F7) 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 G 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 G aeolian scale on guitar.

aeolian is the 6th mode of the Major scale. View G 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.