E Dorian scale
The E Dorian scale is made of the notes E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯, D. It has 7 notes; compared with the major scale its formula is 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 ♭7.
Modes · 7 notes
- 1E
- 2F♯
- ♭3G
- 4A
- 5B
- 6C♯
- ♭7D
PatternW – H – W – W – W – H – W(W = whole step, H = half step)
The seven scales you get by starting from each degree of the major scale. Degrees are shown relative to the major scale: ♭3 is the third lowered by a half step, ♯4 the fourth raised.
Mode and chords
The second mode of the major: a minor scale with a major 6th, less dark than the natural minor. It is the typical scale for the m7 chord in jazz, funk and rock.
The E Dorian scale is mode 2 of the D major scale: the same notes, starting from degree 2. D major scale →
Put it into practice
The scale played in thirds over one octave: one of the exercises MEG generates from this scale.
Chords built on the scale
Frequently asked questions
- What are the notes of the E Dorian scale?
- The notes are E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯, D.
- What is the pattern of the E Dorian scale?
- The sequence of steps is W – H – W – W – W – H – W (W = whole step, H = half step); compared with the major scale the degrees are 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 ♭7.
- Which scale is the E Dorian scale a mode of?
- It is mode 2 of the D major scale.
- Which chords is the E Dorian scale used over?
- It is used over Em7, Em6, Em9: the chords on the tonic made of the notes of the scale.