D Aeolian scale
The D Aeolian scale is made of the notes D, E, F, G, A, B♭, C. It has 7 notes; compared with the major scale its formula is 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7.
Modes · 7 notes
- 1D
- 2E
- ♭3F
- 4G
- 5A
- ♭6B♭
- ♭7C
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 D Aeolian scale is mode 6 of the F major scale: the same notes, starting from degree 6. F major scale →
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 D Aeolian scale?
- The notes are D, E, F, G, A, B♭, C.
- What is the pattern of the D 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 D Aeolian scale a mode of?
- It is mode 6 of the F major scale.
- Which chords is the D Aeolian scale used over?
- It is used over Dm7, Dm9: the chords on the tonic made of the notes of the scale.