How do you harmonize the C aeolian scale?

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

C aeolian chords

All ukulele chords for the C aeolian scale

Show scale diagram ↓

Chord Voicings

Harmony

Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.

C aeolian scale diatonic chords

IC minor

IID dim

IIIE♭ major

IVF minor

VG minor

VIA♭ major

VIIB♭ major

C aeolian scale seventh chords

IC m7

IID m7♭5

IIIE♭ maj7

IVF m7

VG m7

VIA♭ maj7

VIIB♭ 7

scale

Ukulele fretboard diagram

C aeolian scale — ukulele chords and intervals

Harmonizing the C 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 C aeolian are Cm7, Dm7b5, EbMaj7, Fm7, Gm7, AbMaj7, Bb7. 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 C aeolian scale has the following degrees: 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7.

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

Diatonic chords: Cm7, Dm7b5, EbMaj7, Fm7, Gm7, AbMaj7, Bb7.

Degrees	Chord
I	Cm7
ii	Dm7b5
iii	EbMaj7
IV	Fm7
V	Gm7
vi	AbMaj7
vii°	Bb7

Degree-by-Degree Analysis

The I chord (Cm7) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (Dm7b5) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (EbMaj7) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (Fm7) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (Gm7) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (AbMaj7) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (Bb7) 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 C 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 C aeolian scale on ukulele.

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