E Romanian minor

Dorian with a raised 4th; the augmented 2nd between degrees 3 and 4 adds tension.

Octaves

Musical context

How the scale relates to the chord, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Name
E Romanian minor
Family
Exotic scales
Note count
7
Step formula
W – H – W+H – H – W – H – W
Numeric formula
0-2-1-3-1-2-1-2

Notes & degrees

1Eroot
2F#major 2nd
b3Gminor 3rd
#4A#aug 4th
5Bperfect 5th
6C#major 6th
b7Dminor 7th

Construction

Overview
Dorian with a raised 4th; the augmented 2nd between degrees 3 and 4 adds tension.
Application in music
Pairs with a minor tonic and has the same pitch collection as Ukrainian Dorian.
Interval formula
E
W
F#
H
G
WH
A#
H
B
W
C#
H
D

Chords by degree

Tensions & resolutions

Stable degrees

IEpoint of resttonic
IIIGdefines modal qualitythird
VBsupports the tonic sonorityfifth

Typical resolutions & tensions

IEE
IIF#F#
Scale degree 2 may descend to tonic; the motion is especially close when degree 2 is lowered.

This scale on guitar 🎸

See how E Romanian minor looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

The major key on the same tonic and its neighbouring keys on the circle of fifths.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmEmajor
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
4 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#)

Connections

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

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Frequently Asked Questions