E Dorian scale on guitar
The E Dorian scale has 7 notes: E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯ and D. A minor scale with a raised 6th. That one note makes it brighter and jazzier than natural minor; it is common in funk, jazz, rock jams and folk.
Notes in E Dorian
- Formula
- 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 ♭7
- Step pattern
- W – H – W – W – W – H – W
- Notes
- 7
Tap a note to hear it.
E Dorian across the neck
Every E Dorian note on the first 12 frets in standard tuning. Filled dots are the root, E. A good place to start: E is the open low E string, so start in open position (frets 0 to 3), then move up the neck.
Intervals
| Degree | Note | Interval from E |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | E | Root |
| 2 | F♯ | Major 2nd |
| ♭3 | G | Minor 3rd |
| 4 | A | Perfect 4th |
| 5 | B | Perfect 5th |
| 6 | C♯ | Major 6th |
| ♭7 | D | Minor 7th |
Chords in E Dorian
Stack every other note of the scale and you get these triads. Any of them will sound “at home” with the E Dorian scale.
H = half step (1 fret), W = whole step (2 frets). Roman numerals: uppercase is major, lowercase is minor, ° is diminished, + is augmented.
Related scales
Questions
What notes are in the E Dorian scale?
E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯, D. Its formula is 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 ♭7.
Where do I start the E Dorian scale on guitar?
E is the open low E string, so start in open position (frets 0 to 3). The fretboard map on this page shows every E Dorian note on the first 12 frets.
What scales are related to E Dorian?
It has the same notes as D major, starting from that scale’s 2nd note.
More scales
Dorian in every key
Other scales from E