Explore scales · Ukulele
E dorian scale on ukulele
E dorian uses E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯, D. Its raised sixth separates it from E natural minor.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the E dorian scale on ukulele?
E dorian in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 9 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the C string at fret 1 up to C♯ on the A string at fret 4. The root falls on the C string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2, 4 | C♯, D, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3 | F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
E dorian in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 11 notes across 4 strings, from E on the C string at fret 4 up to E on the A string at fret 7. The root falls on the C string at fret 4 and the A string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 6, 7 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6, 7 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
E dorian in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 10 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the C string at fret 6 up to F♯ on the A string at fret 9. The root falls on the G string at fret 9 and the A string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 7, 9 | C♯, D, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7, 9 | F♯, G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
E dorian in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 11 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the G string at fret 9 and the E string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 11, 12 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11 | A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
Why it sounds like that
E dorian is the second mode of D major, sharing the same notes but centering on E. The raised C♯ distinguishes it from E natural minor, whose sixth is C. This major sixth gives the scale its characteristic brightness over a minor tonic.
When to use it
E dorian fits E minor and E 5th chords, and works over progressions like Em–D–A. Its major sixth suits rock and blues lines. Try it over E minor or E 5th.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root sits at string 3, fret 4, covering frets 1–4.
Common questions
Which notes are in E dorian?
E dorian contains E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯, and D. The C♯ is the major sixth that separates it from E natural minor. Use these notes over E minor chords.
What chords does E dorian work over?
E dorian works over E minor and E 5th chords. It also fits progressions using D major and A major. The scale's major sixth adds brightness to minor vamps.
How does E dorian differ from E natural minor?
E dorian raises the sixth degree from C to C♯. This single change creates a major sixth interval from the tonic. The raised sixth gives the scale its characteristic brightness.