E Oriental Scale
E Oriental contains 7 notes: E, F, G♯, A, B♭, C♯, D. It has 2 sharps: G♯, C♯. The step pattern is H–W+H–H–H–W+H–H–W.
A mysterious, unstable mode that blends dissonant and consonant intervals in unexpected ways. The b2 and b5 create tension, while the major 3rd and natural 6th provide surprising brightness — like glimpses of light in a dark bazaar.
The formula is 1, b2, 3, 4, b5, 6, b7. The b5 (tritone) prevents any stable resting point, while the major 3rd and natural 6th offer moments of unexpected consonance. It doesn't correspond to a specific Eastern tradition but effectively evokes adventurous, mysterious atmospheres.
The contrast between the tight b2 cluster at the bottom and the brighter 6th higher up makes for interesting melodic shapes. Use it for creating mysterious, adventurous passages over altered dominant chords. Works best as a color rather than a sustained key center.