ScalesEb Dorian
Guitar scale · fretboard map
Eb Dorian Scale
The Eb Dorian scale is built from the notes Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, C, and Db, also known as the Dorian mode. The diagram below maps every one of those notes across the guitar neck, from the open strings up to the 12th fret, with the root Eb highlighted.
The dorian scale is a minor scale with a raised sixth: less dark than natural minor, and a staple of funk, jazz, and modal rock.
Notes in the Eb Dorian scale
Eb1
F2
Gbb3
Ab4
Bb5
C6
Dbb7
Eb Dorian scale on the fretboard
root (Eb) other scale notes
Explore this on the interactive fretboard →
The free Fretboard Explorer lets you switch keys and see the CAGED shapes and scale overlays tile the whole neck.
Other scales in Eb
Eb MajorEb Natural MinorEb Major PentatonicEb Minor PentatonicEb BluesEb PhrygianEb LydianEb MixolydianEb Harmonic Minor
The dorian scale in other keys
Frequently asked questions
- What notes are in the Eb Dorian scale?
- The Eb Dorian scale contains 7 notes: Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, C, and Db. As scale degrees those are 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, 6, b7.
- How do you play the Eb Dorian scale on guitar?
- Every note above is shown on the fretboard diagram, from the open strings up to the 12th fret, with the root (Eb) highlighted. The pattern is movable: learn the shape once and you can slide it to start on any root. Anchor your playing to the Eb notes so the scale sounds resolved.
- What is the Eb Dorian scale used for?
- The dorian scale is a minor scale with a raised sixth: less dark than natural minor, and a staple of funk, jazz, and modal rock. Once the shape is under your fingers, try improvising over a backing track in Eb and listen for how each note pulls back toward the root.