How to Play an E Dorian Scale on Piano

An E Dorian scale is similar to a D major scale, except that the note you start on is a major-second interval higher. This difference in the starting note requires you to learn an entirely new set of finger positions when playing the scale on the piano. The E Dorian scale is the second mode of a D major scale, which means it shares the same key signature as D major, but has an entirely different sonic quality. There are only two black keys in this scale, allowing you to relax your wrist and keep it lower to the keyboard.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Practice the scale with your right hand. Place your thumb on E4. Ascend a minor third interval through E, F# and G. Bring your thumb under your middle finger to A5. Ascend the remaining perfect-fifth interval through the notes A, B, C#, D and E. The last five notes of the scale allow you to keep your wrist in the same position without making any finger crossings. Keep your wrist slightly elevated when approaching the top of the scale for the octave turn.

2. Descend the E Dorian scale a perfect-fifth interval through E, D, C#, B and A. Cross your middle finger over your thumb at G4. Continue down the last minor-third interval through G, F# and E. There is only one finger crossing both coming up and coming down the scale. Use this to increase the speed at which you play the scale. Move your forearm smoothly from side to side as you increase the speed of the octave turn.

3. Play the scale with your left hand only. Place your pinkie finger on E3 to start. Ascend a perfect-fifth interval through E, F#, G, A and B. Your ring finger will depress F#3. This will feel awkward, as your ring finger is the weakest on your hand, and is playing the only black note in the first five notes of the scale. Keep you fingers close to the soundboard to avoid inaccurate notes. Cross your middle finger over your thumb at C#4. Ascend the remaining minor-third interval through C#, D and E. Your thumb should land on E4, one octave higher than where you started.

4. Descend the E Dorian scale with your left hand. Come down a minor-third interval through E, D and C#. Bring your thumb under your middle finger to B4. Descend the remaining perfect-fifth interval through B, A, G, F# and E. Your thumb should land on E3 in the starting position.

Tips & Warnings

• The E Dorian scale requires very few finger crossings; as such, it allows you to practice speed more than anything else. Begin to practice this scale at a tempo of no less than 80 beats per minute. As you become more accurate in making the octave turn, increase the tempo to no more than 190 beats per minute.