fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON CLARINET IN A

A Aeolian

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

MEIMIDIHumdrum
Choose a root
Tempo120 bpm

Playback sounds a minor 3rd below the written notation — the instrument's concert (sounding) pitch.

Audio source: tonejs-instruments by Nick Brosowsky (MIT)

Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 5 title A Aeolian Verovio
Keyboard
ABCDEFGABCDEFGABCDEFGA
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 Clarinet in A?

On woodwinds, scales train fingering coordination + breath support + register changes. Pay particular attention to the break (the register-key transition); slow practice with a tuner reveals intonation issues across the break.

When would I use the Aeolian scale?

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