E oriental scale diatonic chords
E oriental scale seventh chords
scale
Fretboard diagram
E oriental scale — chords and intervals
The harmonized E oriental scale generates an aggressive, dissonant chord family designed to create tension and unease. The chords from E oriental are E unknown, F augmented, Bb unknown, A major, Bb major, C# minor, D minor. Film and television composers use these chords to signal danger and ancient mystery. The harsh harmonic intervals create a sense of foreboding that is difficult to achieve with more common chord families. Commonly used in Film Scores, Metal, Experimental. Notable players include Hans Zimmer, John Williams.
The E oriental scale has the following degrees: 1 ♭2 3 4 ♭5 6 ♭7.
Intervals: H-3H-H-H-3H-H-W.
Diatonic chords: E unknown, F augmented, Bb unknown, A major, Bb major, C# minor, D minor.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | E unknown |
| ii | F augmented |
| iii | Bb unknown |
| IV | A major |
| V | Bb major |
| vi | C# minor |
| vii° | D minor |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (E unknown) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (F augmented) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (Bb unknown) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (A major) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (Bb major) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (C# minor) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (D minor) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the E oriental scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the E oriental scale on guitar.
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over sustained bass notes or pedal tones. Best in dramatic, cinematic contexts rather than over standard chord changes.