Aeolian (Natural Minor)

Aeolian (Natural Minor) is the 6th mode of the major scale (step pattern W – H – W – W – H – W – W; from A: A – B – C – D – E – F – G). The standard natural minor scale — melancholic, introspective, and deeply emotive. The most common minor sound in Western music.

Like Dorian but with a b6 instead of a natural 6. That single change darkens the iv chord to minor and adds weight to the VI major chord.

Where you hear it: Pop, rock, classical, metal — the default minor sound of Western music.