E Dorian Scale
The E Dorian scale contains E – F# – G – A – B – C# – D. It uses 2 sharps: F# and C#.
E Dorian scale chart
Sharps and flats
E Dorian has 2 sharps: F# and C#. Its parent major scale is D major, which uses the same notes. See the chords in the key of D major.
Scale degrees
| Degree | Note | Semitones from E |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | E | 0 |
| 2 | F# | 2 |
| b3 | G | 3 |
| 4 | A | 5 |
| 5 | B | 7 |
| 6 | C# | 9 |
| b7 | D | 10 |
Step pattern
The Dorian scale is built from the pattern W – H – W – W – W – H – W (W = whole step, H = half step). Apply that pattern from any starting note and you get the same mode in a different key.
Chords in E Dorian
Building a triad on each degree of the scale gives you the chords that belong to it. These are the chords to reach for when writing in E Dorian.
| Degree | Numeral | Chord | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | i | Em | E G B |
| 2 | ii | F#m | F# A C# |
| 3 | III | G | G B D |
| 4 | IV | A | A C# E |
| 5 | v | Bm | B D F# |
| 6 | vi° | C#dim | C# E G |
| 7 | VII | D | D F# A |
Other modes on E
More scales on E
Dorian scale in other keys
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the E Dorian scale?
The E Dorian scale contains E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D, then returns to E an octave higher.
How many sharps are in E Dorian?
E Dorian has 2 sharps: F# and C#.
What is the step pattern of the Dorian scale?
The Dorian scale follows the whole/half step pattern W – H – W – W – W – H – W, where W is a whole step (two semitones) and H is a half step (one semitone).
Which chords work with the E Dorian scale?
The diatonic chords are Em, F#m, G, A, Bm, C#dim, D. Each is built only from notes of the E Dorian scale, so they all belong to the same tonality — though the diminished chord carries a tritone and normally wants to resolve.