Em chord with E Dorian scale

Pairing the Em chord (Minor) with the E Dorian scale: formulas, fretboard voicings and the practical context for soloing, improvisation and songwriting.

Em chord formula

Interval formula: 1 b3 5. A minor triad — root, minor 3rd and 5th. Stable, but darker and sadder than a major.

E Dorian scale formula

Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7. Classification: modal.

Fretboard voicings for Em

Curated Em shapes that sit naturally inside the E Dorian scale.

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Em — E shape, frets 1–5
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Em — D shape, frets 1–6
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Em — C shape, frets 3–8
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Em — A shape, frets 6–10
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Em — G shape, frets 8–13

Other scales for Em

Compare how the same chord behaves over other compatible modes.

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