E♯ Dorian scale
The E♯ Dorian scale is a 7-note dorian scale built on the root E♯. Its notes are E♯, F𝄪, G♯, A♯, B♯, C𝄪 and D♯. Minor scale with a bright raised sixth - sophisticated and groove-friendly. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make E♯ Dorian a great tool for improvising and composing.
Dorian pops up in jazz standards, modal rock, Celtic folk, hip-hop samples and film scores. That bright sixth adds a hopeful edge to an otherwise minor mood. Built on the root E♯, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where E♯ is a comfortable tonal centre.
Formula & step pattern
The E♯ Dorian scale follows a minor scale with a raised sixth degree (W-H-W-W-W-H-W). Step pattern: W - H - W - W - W - H - W. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2M · 3m · 4P · 5P · 6M · 7m. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
E♯ Dorian on the piano
E♯ Dorian on the guitar
E♯ Dorian on the staff
Hear the E♯ Dorian scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the E♯ Dorian scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | E♯(E#) |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | F𝄪(F##) |
| 3 | 3m | 3 | G♯(G#) |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | A♯(A#) |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | B♯(B#) |
| 6 | 6M | 9 | C𝄪(C##) |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | D♯(D#) |
Diatonic chords of E♯ Dorian
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
Modes from E♯ Dorian
Each note of this scale produces a different mode with its own character.
How to use the E♯ Dorian scale
The diatonic chords of E♯ Dorian are: i = E♯m, ii = F𝄪m, III = G♯, IV = A♯, v = B♯m, vi° = C𝄪°, VII = D♯. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in E♯ Dorian. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Dorian pops up in jazz standards, modal rock, Celtic folk, hip-hop samples and film scores. That bright sixth adds a hopeful edge to an otherwise minor mood.
Practice tips
Solo over a minor 7 chord using only dorian notes. That raised sixth makes phrases sound bright without losing the minor character.
Famous songs
E♯ Dorian appears throughout dorian pops up in jazz standards, modal rock, celtic folk, hip-hop samples and film scores. that bright sixth adds a hopeful edge to an otherwise minor mood. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Scales related to E♯ Dorian
Once you are comfortable with E♯ Dorian, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with E♯ Dorian and are a natural next step in your study.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the E♯ Dorian scale?
What is the formula for the E♯ Dorian scale?
Is E♯ Dorian a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the E♯ Dorian scale?
Which genres use E♯ Dorian?
How do I practise the E♯ Dorian scale?
Take E♯ Dorian into your music
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