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E♭ Dorian Scale

The E♭ Dorian scale is the 2nd mode of the D♭ major scale, giving it a distinctive minor sound characterized by its raised 6th degree. This combination of a minor 3rd with a major 6th creates a smooth, versatile quality often heard in jazz, funk, folk, and rock, among other genres.

This page covers everything you need to know about the E♭ Dorian scale: notes, intervals, theory, and how to play it on the piano.

E♭ Dorian Scale Notes

The E♭ Dorian scale contains the following notes:

E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭

These notes come directly from the D♭ major parent scale, starting on its 2nd degree (E♭).

E♭ Dorian Piano Diagram

This diagram highlights which keys belong to the E♭ Dorian scale, which is helpful for visualizing whole steps, half steps, and the overall shape of the scale on the keyboard.

E♭ Dorian Scale Formula and Intervals

The interval formula for the Dorian scale is:

W – H – W – W – W – H – W

Applied to E♭, this gives us:

Thus, E♭ Dorian is built with the following scale degrees:

This structure, especially the combination of the minor 3rd with the major 6th, gives the Dorian mode its characteristic quality.

Chords in the Key of E♭ Dorian

When stacking thirds on each scale degree of the E♭ Dorian scale, the following diatonic triads emerge:

Related Scales and Modes

If you enjoy playing in E♭ Dorian, you may also like:

E♭ Dorian Scale FAQs

How is E♭ Dorian different from E♭ major?

E♭ Dorian has a minor 3rd (G♭) and minor 7th (D♭), while E♭ major has a major 3rd (G) and major 7th (D).

How is E♭ Dorian different from E♭ minor?

E♭ Dorian has a major 6th (C), while E♭ minor has a minor 6th (C♭).

What is the parent scale of E♭ Dorian?

D♭ major. E♭ Dorian uses the same notes as D♭ major, but starts on its 2nd degree (E♭).

Summary: E♭ Dorian Scale