Eb Dorian

A minor diatonic mode with a major 6th; brighter than natural minor.

Octaves

Musical context

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

Theory

General info

Name
Eb Dorian
Family
Diatonic scales
Note count
7
Step formula
W – H – W – W – W – H – W
Numeric formula
0-2-1-2-2-2-1-2

Notes & degrees

1Ebroot
2Fmajor 2nd
b3Gbminor 3rd
4Abperfect 4th
5Bbperfect 5th
6Cmajor 6th
b7Dbminor 7th

Construction

Overview
A minor diatonic mode with a major 6th; brighter than natural minor.
Application in music
Pairs with m6 and m13 chords and is used in modal jazz, funk and fusion.
Interval formula
Eb
W
F
H
Gb
W
Ab
W
Bb
W
C
H
Db

Chords by degree

Tensions & resolutions

Stable degrees

IEbpoint of resttonic
IIIGbdefines modal qualitythird
VBbsupports the tonic sonorityfifth

Typical resolutions & tensions

IIIGbGb
IVAbAb
In a dominant context, scale degree 4 normally descends by step to 3.
IEbEb
IIFF
Scale degree 2 may descend to tonic; the motion is especially close when degree 2 is lowered.

This scale on guitar 🎸

See how Eb Dorian 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#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmEbmajor
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
3 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab)

Connections

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

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

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Frequently Asked Questions