E Dorian Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
E Dorian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E Dorian scale is the second mode of the major scale, offering a soulful and sophisticated minor sound. On Piano, it contains the notes E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D. Because it features a major sixth, it sounds brighter and more hopeful than the natural minor. It is the go-to scale for jazz, funk, and modal blues. The diatonic chords of E Dorian are Em7, F#m7, GMaj7, A7, Bm7, C#m7b5, DMaj7. Commonly used in Funk, Jazz, Fusion, Neo-Soul, Blues. Notable players include Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana, D'Angelo. Use over m7, m9, m11, m13 chords. The go-to scale for any minor chord in funk, jazz, and soul. Works especially well over long minor vamps.
Notes: E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Formula: W-H-W-W-W-H-W
Number of notes: 7
Diatonic Chords
Em7 — F♯m7 — GMaj7 — A7 — Bm7 — C♯m7♭5 — DMaj7
How to Play E Dorian on Piano
On piano, the E Dorian scale uses 2 black keys. Start with your thumb on E and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The E Dorian scale contains 2 sharps (F#, C#). Its relative major is G major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the E Dorian 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.
Try these progressions with the E Dorian scale: Em7 - A7 - Bm7 - Em7 (I-IV-V-I) or Em7 - F#m7 - A7 - Bm7 for a more stepwise movement.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the E Dorian scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry.
The E Dorian scale contains 7 notes (E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.