E Kiordi Guitar Scale

E Kiordi Scale — Notes and Intervals

The E Kiordi scale is a Greek dromos with a dual nature, corresponding to the Doric Locrian mode ascending while shifting toward Phrygian when descending. On Guitar, it contains the notes E, F#, G, A, Bb, C#, D. This directional duality, where the Dorian natural sixth appears ascending and the Phrygian flattened second dominates descending, lies at the heart of its expressive power in Ottoman-influenced Greek urban music. Commonly used in Greek Folk, Rebetiko, Balkan, Turkish. Notable players include Markos Vamvakaris. Use over m7b5 and minor chords depending on melodic direction. The ascending form emphasizes the Dorian natural 6th while the descending form highlights the Phrygian b2.

Notes: E, F#, G, A, Bb, C#, D

Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5d, 6M, 7m

Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7

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

Number of notes: 7

Musical Character

The Greek folk version of Doric Locrian. A distinctive dromos that changes character depending on direction: ascending it follows the Doric Locrian mode, while descending it shifts to Phrygian. This directional duality is central to its expressive power.

Genres & Notable Artists

Genres: Greek Folk, Rebetiko, Balkan, Turkish

Notable players: Markos Vamvakaris

How to Use the E Kiordi Scale

Use over m7b5 and minor chords depending on melodic direction. The ascending form emphasizes the Dorian natural 6th while the descending form highlights the Phrygian b2.

Origin & Background

A dromos in Greek Rebetiko music corresponding to the Doric Locrian mode in its ascending form. Its name may derive from the Turkish word kurdi (Kurdish). The ascending/descending duality reflects the melodic conventions of Ottoman-influenced Greek urban music.

How to Play E Kiordi on Guitar

Start the E Kiordi scale in open position, taking advantage of the open E string. Use a three-notes-per-string fingering to cover the full scale in one position, or learn the CAGED shapes to navigate the entire fretboard. An alternative starting point is open position.

The E Kiordi scale contains both sharps and flats (2 sharps, 1 flat), which is common in altered and exotic scales. This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.

Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing

Set a metronome to 100 BPM and play the E Kiordi scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.

Exotic scales like the Kiordi often work best as a melodic layer over a single root drone on E. Let the unique intervals speak for themselves without frequent chord changes. This scale is especially effective in turkish contexts.

Guitar Tips

On guitar, practice the E Kiordi scale on a single string from the open position to the 12th fret. This trains your ear to hear the intervals linearly and helps with slide guitar applications. Aim for a wandering quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.

Related Scales

• E Doric locrian
• E Dorian
• E Phrygian
• E Ousak

The E Kiordi scale contains 7 notes (E, F#, G, A, Bb, C#, D). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges. Practice ascending and descending from the root note to learn the sound of this scale.

CAGED Positions & Patterns for E Kiordi

The E Kiordi scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.

Explore E Kiordi Further

• Harmonize the E Kiordi scale — triads & 7th chords
• Browse chord progressions
• E Kiordi on Ukulele
• E Kiordi on Bass
• E Kiordi on Piano

Explore E Kiordi in Other Tunings

• E Kiordi in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
• E Kiordi in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
• E Kiordi in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
• E Kiordi in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
• E Kiordi in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
• E Kiordi in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
• E Kiordi in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
• E Kiordi in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
• E Kiordi in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
• E Kiordi in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
• E Kiordi in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
• E Kiordi in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
• E Kiordi in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
• E Kiordi in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)

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