National Board Music Practice Exam

The Aeolian mode is also known as the natural minor scale. It is characterized by a specific sequence of whole and half steps that produce a minor sound. The defining features of the Aeolian mode include the flattened third, sixth, and seventh scale degrees.

In the case of A natural minor, the notes are A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Here, the third (C), sixth (F), and seventh (G) are all minor compared to the corresponding major scale. Specifically, the b3 (C), b6 (F), and b7 (G) are what establish the minor quality of the scale in the context of the Aeolian mode. Thus, the inclusion of the flattened third, sixth, and seventh notes is why this option accurately describes the notes that are part of the Aeolian mode.

The other options either present different scales or alterations that do not fit the profile of the Aeolian mode.