‘A Sharp Aeolian’ is the 6th mode of the C sharp major scale. The notes in A# Aeolian are:
A# – B# – C# – D# – E# – F# – G#
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 A# aeolian using both the parallel approach and the derivative approach.
A sharp aeolian is often referred to as the A sharp natural minor scale. The natural minor scale is often viewed as the default minor scale for theoretical purposes.
A# Aeolian Mode Using The Parallel Approach
A# Major has the following notes:
A# – B# – Cx – D# – E# – Fx – Gx
If we flatten the 3rd note (C#), the 6th note (F#) and the 7th note (G#) we get the following:
A# – B# – C# – D# – E# – F# – G#
A# Aeolian Mode Using The Derivative Approach
A# is the 6th note of the C# major scale:
C# – D# – E# – F# – G# – A# – B#
If we play the C# Major scale and start on the 6th note we get the following:
A# – B# – C# – D# – E# – F# – G#
Let’s look at the A# aeolian mode in the different positions on the guitar fretboard:
A# Aeolian in the Open Position
Firstly, let’s look at the open position:
A# Aeolian Mode CAGED Positions
Now let’s look at A# aeolian in the 5 different CAGED positions along the fretboard.
A# Aeolian in the 2nd Position (Lowest Fret is 2)
A# Aeolian in the 5th Position (Lowest Fret is 5)
A# Aeolian in the 8th Position (Lowest Fret is 8)
A# Aeolian in the 9th Position (Lowest Fret is 9)
That covers the 5 basic positions and the open position of A# aeolian along the guitar fretboard. For an in depth explanation of the aeolian mode, check out aeolian mode explained.
Further Reading
- A#m chord (A# aeolian works well over this chord)
- A#m7 chord A# aeolian works well over this chord)
- C# Major scale (A# Aeolian is the sixth mode of the C# Major scale)
