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C♯ Aeolian scale

The C♯ Aeolian scale is made of the notes C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯, A, B. It has 7 notes; compared with the major scale its formula is 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7.

Modes · 7 notes

Note names
  1. 1C♯
  2. 2D♯
  3. ♭3E
  4. 4F♯
  5. 5G♯
  6. ♭6A
  7. ♭7B

PatternW – H – W – W – H – W – W(W = whole step, H = half step)

The seven scales you get by starting from each degree of the major scale. Degrees are shown relative to the major scale: ♭3 is the third lowered by a half step, ♯4 the fourth raised.

Mode and chords

The sixth mode of the major scale, with the same notes as the natural minor. In jazz and rock it is played over a minor chord when the minor 6th should give a dark colour.

The C♯ Aeolian scale is mode 6 of the E major scale: the same notes, starting from degree 6. E major scale →

Used overC♯m7C♯m9

Put it into practice

The scale played in thirds over one octave: one of the exercises MEG generates from this scale.

This scale is not part of the demo: in the MEG app you will find it in every key, with 24 patterns.

Chords built on the scale

Frequently asked questions

What are the notes of the C♯ Aeolian scale?
The notes are C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯, A, B.
What is the pattern of the C♯ Aeolian scale?
The sequence of steps is W – H – W – W – H – W – W (W = whole step, H = half step); compared with the major scale the degrees are 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7.
Which scale is the C♯ Aeolian scale a mode of?
It is mode 6 of the E major scale.
Which chords is the C♯ Aeolian scale used over?
It is used over C♯m7, C♯m9: the chords on the tonic made of the notes of the scale.