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Mode · Reference entry

E Dorian Mode

Dorian mode · E – F♯ – G – A – B – C♯ – D · intervals P1-M2-m3-P4-P5-M6-m7-P8

The E Dorian Mode contains the notes E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯, and D. Its step pattern is W-H-W-W-W-H-W. A minor scale with a raised 6th — the "So What" modal jazz sound, common in folk and Celtic music.

At the keyboard

E · F# · G · A · B · C# · D
Maintained by Justin Evans, a pianist of 25 years
Maintained for accuracy · Last updated July 2026 · How we review
Flashcards · Scale
Three questions on E Dorian Mode
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The E Dorian scale contains seven notes: E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯, and D. It follows the whole-step / half-step pattern W-H-W-W-W-H-W.

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

DegreeNameNoteInterval
1TonicEP1
2SupertonicF♯M2
♭3MediantGm3
4SubdominantAP4
5DominantBP5
6SubmediantC♯M6
♭7Leading ToneDm7

Key Signature

The E Dorian Mode draws its notes from D Major, so it is written with that key signature: 2 sharps (F♯, C♯).

F♯C♯

Order of sharps

Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.

F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯

Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle

Diatonic Chords in the E Dorian Mode

These are the triads built on each degree of the E Dorian Mode:

C1C2C3C4EGBC5C6C7C8
i — E Minor (minor)
DegreeNumeralChordQuality
1iE MinorMinor
2iiF♯ MinorMinor
3IIIG MajorMajor
4IVA MajorMajor
5vB MinorMinor
6vi°C♯ DiminishedDiminished
7VIID MajorMajor

How Dorian Relates to the Major Scale

C1C2C3C4DEGABC5DEGABC6C7C8C#F#C#F#
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 ModeCommon NotesShared / 7
E PhrygianE – F♯ – G – A – B – C♯ – D – E8 / 7
E LydianE – F♯ – G – A – B – C♯ – D – E8 / 7
E MixolydianE – F♯ – G – A – B – C♯ – D – E8 / 7
E LocrianE – F♯ – G – A – B – C♯ – D – E8 / 7
E IonianE – F♯ – G – A – B5 / 7
E AeolianE – F♯ – G – A – B5 / 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.

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Circle of FifthsVisualize key relationships, relative minors, and key signatures.Chord FinderLook up any chord — see the notes, hear it, and play along.Practice RoomPlug in a MIDI keyboard and get real-time feedback on every chord and scale.Chord DrillTimed drills to build speed and recognition across all chord types.MIDI MonitorLive MIDI message stream with note names, velocity, and a scrolling staff.
Entry reviewed and maintained by Justin Evans. Corrections are read and applied.Report an error

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