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E aeolian dominant scale on guitar
E aeolian dominant uses E, F♯, G♯, A, B, C, D. The Box 1 shape places the root on the fourth string, second fret.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the E aeolian dominant scale on guitar?
E aeolian dominant in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 14 notes across 6 strings, from E on the low E string at fret 0 up to F♯ on the high e string at fret 2. The root falls on the low E string at fret 0, the D string at fret 2 and the high e string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 0, 2 | E, F♯ |
| 5 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 4 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 3 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
| 2 (B) | 0, 1, 3 | B, C, D |
| 1 (e) | 0, 2 | E, F♯ |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
E aeolian dominant in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 16 notes across 6 strings, from F♯ on the low E string at fret 2 up to A on the high e string at fret 5. The root falls on the D string at fret 2 and the B string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 2, 4, 5 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 5 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
| 4 (D) | 2, 4 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (G) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, C |
| 2 (B) | 3, 5 | D, E |
| 1 (e) | 2, 4, 5 | F♯, G♯, A |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
E aeolian dominant in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 16 notes across 6 strings, from G♯ on the low E string at fret 4 up to B on the high e string at fret 7. The root falls on the A string at fret 7 and the B string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
| 5 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
| 4 (D) | 4, 6, 7 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 3 (G) | 4, 5, 7 | B, C, D |
| 2 (B) | 5, 7 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (e) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
E aeolian dominant in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 16 notes across 6 strings, from B on the low E string at fret 7 up to D on the high e string at fret 10. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 5 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
| 4 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 3 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
| 2 (B) | 7, 9, 10 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 1 (e) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
E aeolian dominant in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 13 notes across 6 strings, from D on the low E string at fret 10 up to E on the high e string at fret 12. The root falls on the low E string at fret 12 and the high e string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 5 (A) | 11, 12 | G♯, A |
| 4 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 3 (G) | 11, 13 | F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (B) | 10, 12, 13 | A, B, C |
| 1 (e) | 10, 12 | D, E |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the third of E natural minor from G to G♯ to form this scale. The intervals are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7. Compare with E natural minor to hear the difference. The major third over the minor sixth gives a dominant sound.
When to use it
Use it over E major or E 5th chords in rock and metal. The ♭6 and ♭7 add a dark, exotic tension. Try it over E major or E 5th.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on the fourth string, second fret keeps the hand low and covers frets 0–3.
Common questions
What is the formula for E aeolian dominant?
The formula is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7. This gives a major third and a minor sixth. It is the fifth mode of A melodic minor.
Can I use E aeolian dominant over a minor chord?
No, the major third clashes with a minor chord. Use it over major or dominant chords. The tonic is E major.
What is the parent scale of E aeolian dominant?
E aeolian dominant is the fifth mode of A melodic minor. The parent scale starts on A. The mode begins on the fifth degree, E.