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Aeolian Study Piece #1

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When learning to play a mode all over the fingerboard, it’s also important to put it to use in some actual lines, so that you can hear it in action. This piece – which is based on the A Aeolian mode (or natural minor scale) – will enable you to become comfortable with using the mode, whilst giving your fingers a good workout at the same time!

In this video course I’ll be talking you through the Aeolian mode and which chord it works with. I’ll then be breaking this piece down, section by section, and showing you how to play it.

Don’t forget to hit the Download Resources button above to get hold of the PDF transcription and the audio files for this piece (available to subscribers only). This course contains the following videos, each of which can be selected from the video player above.

1 – Aeolian Study Piece #1

This video is a demonstration of this study piece, performed on a Mayones Viking bass. The piece is performed here with a plectrum, but it works equally well when played with the fingers.

2 – Overview of the Aeolian Mode

In this video I’ll be talking about the Aeolian mode, focusing on its distinguishing features and discussing which chord to play it with.

3 – A Section

In this video we’ll be working through the opening section of this piece. The bass plays a descending melodic line on the G-string here, above a sustained bass note. This lesson covers bars 1-4.

4 – B Section

This lesson covers the B section, which features a fairly conventional rock bass part. There are some chord changes here, but the whole line once again uses the A Aeolian mode. This lesson covers bars 6-12.

5 – C Section

The C section of this piece continues in the same vein as the previous line, although there’s a tricky 3/4 bar to watch out for at the end. This lesson covers bars 13-20.

6 – D Section

The D section is the final part of the piece. Here, we’ll be taking the melodic line that was used in the opening A section and playing it repeatedly on the A-string. This part is played quite aggressively and brings the piece to a close. This lesson covers bars 21-23.