A♭ Aeolian
Natural minor labelled as a mode — the other 'default' tonality.
Audio source: FluidR3_GM SoundFont (public domain)
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 Alto?
Singing scales (solfège) trains pitch accuracy + interval recognition. Use moveable Do (Do = tonic) so any scale starts on Do. The major scale solfège (Do-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La-Ti-Do) is the universal pattern.
When would I use the Aeolian scale?
Natural minor labelled as a mode — the other 'default' tonality.