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Eb Dorian Scale: Degrees, Notes, Intervals, and Practical Use

Eb Dorian — minor with natural 6 from “Eb”, fresh and flexible without being too dark. Great for funk and modal jazz. Keep 6 on top, contrast it with b3, build static bass with moving top.

To visually explore a scale, use the interactive circle of fifths — it shows the relationships between notes, chords, and degrees, helping you understand its structure. Next to the circle, you’ll find the guitar fretboard, where all notes of the selected mode are displayed in the same colors as on the circle. Below, you can see the chords that belong to this scale — with degree labels and chord shape thumbnails that you can open and listen to. You can change the guitar tuning, fretboard orientation, and the display mode for notes or intervals. Detailed instructions on how to use the tool are available on the main Circle of Fifths page — check it out to make the most of all its features.

Eb Dorian · Funky minor

vi°bIIIbVIIIViviiCGDAEBGbDbAbEbBbFdimMMMmmm
0123456FGbAbBbCDbEbFAbBbCDbEbFGbAbBbCDbEbFGbAbBbEBGDAE
i
Ebm
0123452431EBGDAE
ii
Fm
012345111431EBGDAE
bIII
Gb
012345112431EBGDAE
IV
Ab
01234511134EBGDAE
v
Bbm
01234512431EBGDAE
vi
Cdim
0123453421EBGDAE
bVII
Db
01234512134EBGDAE

Formula and Intervals of the Eb Dorian Scale

Degree formula: 1 — 2 — b3 — 4 — 5 — 6 — b7. Interval pattern between adjacent degrees: 2 — 1 — 2 — 2 — 2 — 1 — 2. The scale includes the following notes:

  • Eb — tonic, the main anchor of the mode.

  • F — gentle melodic extension and natural upward step.

  • Gb — minor third, lyrical tone and soft drama.

  • Ab — quartal spice, best separated from 3 by voice leading.

  • Bb — perfect fifth, stabilizing anchor of the mode.

  • C — warm upper shade, pairs well with 9.

  • Db — dominant pull toward tonic, typical of Mixolydian.

Together these degrees form the core of the Eb Dorian mode and define its musical character.

Chords within the Eb Dorian Scale

Below are the basic diatonic chords that naturally occur on each degree. Use them as a palette for your progressions, keep the bass stable, and highlight color tones in the upper voice.

  • Ebm — 1

  • Fm — 2

  • Gb — b3

  • Ab — 4

  • Bbm — 5

  • Cdim — 6

  • Db — b7

This set forms a solid modal framework: combine triads and seventh chords, add 9/11/13 for color, and separate 3rds from 11ths for cleaner harmony.

Alternative Names of the Eb Dorian Scale

This mode may appear under other names:

  • Eb Dorian Minor

All variations point to the same modal structure.

How to Use the Eb Dorian Scale

Highlight the 6 on top and separate it from b3. Static bass with moving top builds a modal groove. Works well with i-IV and ii-V in modal context.

Conclusion

Eb Dorian is a recognizable mode with clear logic of use. Study the formula and intervals, keep color tones in the top voice, build diatonic chords, and try integrating the mode into your own progressions — this way you’ll develop a confident and expressive sound faster.