E♭ Dorian Mode

Hear the E♭ Dorian Mode played for you.

E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭

Formula:W-H-W-W-W-H-W

Intervals:P1-M2-m3-P4-P5-M6-m7-P8

Scale Degrees:1-2-♭3-4-5-6-♭7-8

Introduction

The Eb Dorian mode is the second mode of the Db Major scale. It has a minor sound with a raised sixth degree, characteristic of jazz, blues, and rock.

E♭ Dorian Mode Notes

Degree	Name	Note	Interval
1	Tonic	E♭	P1
2	Supertonic	F	M2
♭3	Mediant	G♭	m3
4	Subdominant	A♭	P4
5	Dominant	B♭	P5
6	Submediant	C	M6
♭7	Leading Tone	D♭	m7

How Dorian Relates to the Major Scale

Mode

Key

E♭ Dorian uses the same notes as C♯ Major

Relative modes — all share the same notes

C♯ Ionian=E♭ Dorian=F Phrygian=F♯ Lydian=A♭ Mixolydian=B♭ Aeolian=C Locrian

Common Tones

Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the E♭ mode shares with its parallel modes (same root, different scale) helps with improvisation, modal interchange, and smooth voice leading. The more notes two modes share, the more closely related they sound — and the easier it is to slide between them in a solo or progression.

Parallel Mode	Common Notes	Shared / 7
E♭ Phrygian	E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭	8 / 7
E♭ Lydian	E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭	8 / 7
E♭ Mixolydian	E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭	8 / 7
E♭ Locrian	E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭	8 / 7
E♭ Ionian	E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭	4 / 7
E♭ Aeolian	E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭	4 / 7

E♭ Dorian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the Eb Dorian mode?

Eb Dorian contains: Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, C, Db. Second mode of Db Major. The raised 6th (C instead of Cb) distinguishes it from Eb Natural Minor.

How does Eb Dorian differ from Eb Natural Minor?

One note: Eb Dorian has C (major 6th), Eb Natural Minor has Cb (minor 6th).

What is the parent major scale?

Eb Dorian is the second mode of Db Major.

How is Eb Dorian used in music?

Works over Ebm7 chords in jazz. Common in R&B and neo-soul where Db Major is a popular key.

What chords are built from Eb Dorian?

Ebm, Fm, Gb, Ab, Bbm, Cdim, Db. Major IV (Ab) over Eb minor is the Dorian hallmark.

What songs use the Dorian mode?

So What (Miles Davis), Oye Como Va (Santana), Evil Ways, Brick House.

Practice Tips

Raise the 6th from Cb to C — hear the Dorian warmth.
Eb Dorian over Ebm7 is common in R&B and jazz.
The major IV (Ab) over Eb minor is the signature sound.
Practice over an Ebm7 vamp.
Compare with Eb Aeolian.
Common in neo-soul contexts.