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 E Dorian mode is the second mode of the D 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 D Major

Relative modes — all share the same notes

D Ionian=E Dorian=F♯ Phrygian=G 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 – B	5 / 7
E Aeolian	E – F♯ – G – A – B	5 / 7

E Dorian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the E Dorian mode?

E Dorian contains: E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D. Second mode of D Major. The raised 6th (C# instead of C) distinguishes it from E Natural Minor.

How does E Dorian differ from E Natural Minor?

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

What is the parent major scale?

E Dorian is the second mode of D Major.

How is E Dorian used in music?

Very common in blues, rock, and funk. E is the most popular blues key for guitar, and E Dorian is the go-to scale for improvising over Em7.

What chords are built from E Dorian?

Em, F#m, G, A, Bm, C#dim, D. Major IV (A) over E minor is the Dorian sound.

What songs use the Dorian mode?

So What (Miles Davis), Oye Como Va (Santana), and many blues-rock songs.

Practice Tips

Raise C to C# — hear the Dorian warmth over E minor.
E Dorian is essential for blues and rock improvisation.
A Major (IV) over E minor is the signature sound.
Practice over an Em7 vamp — common in blues and funk.
E Dorian crosses into rock guitar territory.
Compare with E Aeolian (natural minor).