26 Licks Natural Minor (Aeolian): A Comprehensive Guide
Unlock the Darker Side of Harmony Across All 12 Minor Keys
Master the introspective and powerful sound of the Aeolian mode with Frank The Wizard’s definitive guide to Natural Minor improvisation. This resource moves beyond basic scale patterns, teaching you how to navigate functional minor harmony with professional precision and modal depth.
This compendium provides a systematic approach to minor key fluency, offering 26 distinct melodic concepts fully transposed for every key.
Part 1: 13 Chord-Specific Licks
Functional Mastery: Specifically engineered for the seven diatonic minor chords (i, ii, III, iv, v, VI, VII).
Modal Sophistication: Explore advanced textures including Dorian ♮6, Phrygian ♭2, Locrian flavors, and Lydian #4 extensions.
Purpose: To target the "money notes" of each chord, creating high-intent lines that define the harmonic landscape.
Part 2: 13 Versatile Licks
Foundational Motion: Licks built on Natural Minor and Minor Pentatonic structures.
Seamless Integration: These phrases are designed to sound consonant and musical over any chord within the parent key.
Purpose: To bridge the gap between complex harmonic shifts with fluid, scale-based melodies.
Aeolian Analysis: A deep dive into scale degrees (1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7) and their harmonic relationships.
Full 12-Key Transposition: No more mental math—every lick is fully written out from A Minor through G#\A♭ Minor.
Technical Breakdown: Step-by-step guidance on using stepwise motion, neighbor tones, and arpeggiated outlines.
Bluesy Integration: Learn how to effectively weave Minor Pentatonic fragments into diatonic minor progressions for a soulful, modern sound.
"True fluency in minor key improvisation requires more than just knowing the scale shape; it demands understanding functional harmony—how specific notes relate to and color the underlying chords." — Frank The Wizard
Stop playing "at" the scale and start playing "through" the changes. Whether you are seeking the haunting tension of a diminished $ii^\circ$ or the triumphant lift of a $VI$ Major 7th, this guide provides the vocabulary you need.
Ready to master the minor sound?