fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON BASS TROMBONE

A Aeolian

Natural minor labelled as a mode — the other 'default' tonality.

MEIMIDIHumdrum
Choose a root
Meter:Octave per barCrotchets in 4/4Quavers in 4/4Triplets in 4/4
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 title A Aeolian
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 2 3 title A Aeolian
Verovio
Tempo120 bpm

Audio source: synthesised in-browser via Tone.js (MIT)

FingeringFollows the scale as it plays — written pitch, matches the staff
AF triggerFG♭ triggerG♭1234567partial 2
Harmonic seriesTube of the tonic fingering — A sounds partial 2
partial 1 — A1 (+0¢)1partial 2 — A2 (+0¢)2partial 3 — E3 (+2¢)3partial 4 — A3 (+0¢)4partial 5 — C♯4 (-14¢)5partial 6 — E4 (+2¢)6partial 7 — G4 (-31¢)7-31¢partial 8 — A4 (+0¢)8
Related scales
Diatonic chord harmonisation
Same scale, other instruments
Same scale, other tonics
Modes built on this tonic
Compare with
Theory reference
Questions
What notes are in the A Aeolian scale?

The A Aeolian scale uses the notes A, B, C, D, E, F, G (one octave; the pattern repeats at higher registers).

What's the Aeolian scale formula?

The Aeolian scale follows the interval pattern W H W W H W W, where W = whole step (2 semitones) and H = half step (1 semitone). Apply that pattern starting on A to get the A Aeolian scale.

What chords work over A Aeolian?

Natural minor's diatonic chords: i minor, ii°, ♭III major, iv minor, v minor, ♭VI major, ♭VII major. The minor-v sounds modal; for stronger pull use V (from harmonic minor).

How do I finger A Aeolian on Bass Trombone?

On brass, scales train embouchure + valve / slide coordination across the partials. Slow practice with a tuner reveals intonation tendencies (e.g., the 5th partial sharp on trumpet).

When would I use the Aeolian scale?

Natural minor labelled as a mode — the other 'default' tonality.