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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