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ENEN
Standard
Scales
Chords
E
Locrian
Frets: 0 - 24

Formula
Notes

m2-M2-M2-m2-M2-M2
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
E
B
A
E
G
D
1
F
C
A
E
B
F
2
3
G
D
B
F
C
G
4
A
E
A
5
C
G
D
6
B
F
A
E
B
7
D
8
C
G
E
B
F
C
9
A
10
D
F
C
G
D
11
E
B
A
E
12
G
D
13
F
C
A
E
B
F
14
15
G
D
B
F
C
G
16
A
E
A
17
C
G
D
18
B
F
A
E
B
19
D
20
C
G
E
B
F
C
21
A
22
D
F
C
G
D
23
E
B
A
E
24

Basic Scale Information

  • Name: Locrian Scale
  • Type: Diatonic scale (mode of the major scale)
  • Formula: 1 – ♭2 – ♭3 – 4 – ♭5 – ♭6 – ♭7
  • Relation with Major Scale: It is the seventh degree of the major scale. For example, B Locrian contains the same notes as C major.

Theoretical Aspects

  • Sound Character: The Locrian scale is considered the most unstable and dissonant among the diatonic scales. Its characteristic interval is the diminished fifth (♭5), which makes the chord built on the tonic a diminished chord. It has a dark, restless, and unstable character.
  • Typical Chord: m7♭5 (half-diminished) (e.g., Bm7♭5)
  • Modal Context: Little used in traditional tonal music, it is explored in jazz, experimental, or cinematic contexts for its unusual and unstable sound.
  • Harmonic Use: Often used on half-diminished seventh chords in minor II–V–I progressions, or in modal pieces with a dark color.

Musical Context

  1. Musical Styles: Jazz, Experimental metal, Fusion, Contemporary music
  2. Songs using the scale:
    • Nardis – Miles Davis
    • YYZ – Rush (some sections)
    • Equinox – John Coltrane
    • Angel of Death – Slayer (Locrian influences)
    • Blackened – Metallica (modal influences)
  3. Evoked Atmosphere: Tense, dark, unstable, mysterious, often associated with feelings of danger or uneasiness.