Explore scales · Bass
E dorian scale on bass guitar
E dorian contains E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯, and D. Box 1 places the root on string 2, fret 2 for a compact shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the E dorian scale on bass?
E dorian in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 9 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to A on the G string at fret 2. The root falls on the E string at fret 0 and the D string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2 | A, B |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
E dorian in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 11 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the E string at fret 2 up to B on the G string at fret 4. The root falls on the D string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
| 3 (A) | 2, 4, 5 | B, C♯, D |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4, 5 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
Box 3 · frets 5–7
E dorian in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 7, 8 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to D on the G string at fret 7. The root falls on the A string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
E dorian in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 10 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to E on the G string at fret 9. The root falls on the A string at fret 7 and the G string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 9, 10 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9, 10 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
E dorian in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 12 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the E string at fret 9 up to G on the G string at fret 12. The root falls on the E string at fret 12 and the G string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 3 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11, 12 | B, C♯, D |
| 1 (G) | 9, 11, 12 | E, F♯, G |
Why it sounds like that
E dorian is the second mode of G major, sharing its key signature of one sharp. It differs from E natural minor by raising the sixth degree from C to C♯. This major 6th creates a brighter minor sound. Compare it with E natural minor to hear the difference.
When to use it
E dorian fits E minor and E 5th chords, especially in rock and blues. It also works over the IV chord A major and the v chord B minor in E minor progressions. Try it over an Em–A vamp to hear the raised 6th. E dorian suits lines that need a minor sound with a brighter edge.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. The root sits on string 2, fret 2, keeping the hand in one position across frets 0–3.
Common questions
What notes are in E dorian?
E dorian contains E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯, and D. The scale degrees are 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, 6, and ♭7. It is a minor scale with a raised 6th.
Which chords does E dorian work over?
E dorian fits E minor and E 5th chords. It also works over A major and B minor in E minor progressions. The raised 6th makes it suitable for modal vamps.
How does E dorian differ from E natural minor?
E dorian raises the sixth degree from C to C♯. This creates a major 6th interval instead of a minor 6th. The change gives the scale a brighter character.