‘A Flat Aeolian’ is the 6th mode of the C flat major scale. The notes in Ab Aeolian are:
Ab – Bb – Cb – Db – Eb – Fb – Gb
If you have read the post on understanding the aeolian mode, you will know that the aeolian mode contains a ‘flat 3’, a ‘flat 6’ and a ‘flat 7’ (parallel approach). You will also know that it is the 6th mode of the major scale (derivative approach). The aeolian mode is a very commonly used mode and is also known as the ‘natural minor scale’. Let’s briefly look at how to construct Ab aeolian using both the parallel approach and the derivative approach.
A flat aeolian is often referred to as the A flat natural minor scale. The natural minor scale is often viewed as the default minor scale for theoretical purposes.
Ab Aeolian Mode Using The Parallel Approach
Ab Major has the following notes:
Ab – Bb – C – Db – Eb – F – G
If we flatten the 3rd note (C), the 6th note (F) and the 7th note (G) we get the following:
Ab – Bb – Cb – Db – Eb – Fb – Gb
Ab Aeolian Mode Using The Derivative Approach
Ab is the 6th note of the Cb major scale:
Cb – Db – Eb – Fb – Gb – Ab – Bb
If we play the Cb Major scale and start on the 6th note we get the following:
Ab – Bb – Cb – Db – Eb – Fb – Gb
Let’s look at the Ab aeolian mode in the different positions on the guitar fretboard:
Ab Aeolian in the Open Position
Firstly, let’s look at the open position:
Ab Aeolian Mode CAGED Positions
Now let’s look at Ab aeolian in the 5 different CAGED positions along the fretboard.
Ab Aeolian in the 3rd Position (Lowest Fret is 3)
Ab Aeolian in the 6th Position (Lowest Fret is 6)
Ab Aeolian in the 7thPosition (Lowest Fret is 7)
Ab Aeolian in the 11th Position (Lowest Fret is 11)
Ab Aeolian in the 12th Position (Lowest Fret is 12)
That covers the 5 basic positions and the open position of Ab aeolian along the guitar fretboard. For an in depth explanation of the aeolian mode, check out aeolian mode explained.
Further Reading
- Abm chord (Ab aeolian works well over this chord)
- Abm7 chord Ab aeolian works well over this chord)
- Cb Major scale (Ab Aeolian is the sixth mode of the Cb Major scale)
