Locrian Mode
Modal Structure
The Locrian mode is the darkest and most dissonant of all modes, featuring a flat 2nd and flat 5th. It is rarely used melodically but appears in jazz as the basis for half-diminished harmony.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Formula | H-W-W-H-W-W-W |
| C Locrian Mode Notes | C, C#, D#, F, F#, G#, A# |
| Scale Degrees | 1 - ♭2 - ♭3 - 4 - ♭5 - ♭6 - ♭7 |
| Parent Scale | C Locrian is the 7th mode of Db Major |
Characteristic Notes & Sound
- Characteristic Note
- Diminished 5th (flat 5 — unstable tonic)
- Avoid Note
- Tonic chord (naturally diminished)
- Tonal Color
- Highly unstable and dissonant — rare in tonal music
Genre Context & Song Examples
Locrian mode is theoretically complete but practically rare due to its diminished tonic triad. It appears in progressive metal and avant-garde composition.
- Army of Me — Bjork
Diatonic Chords
| Degree | C Locrian Mode Chord | Triad Quality |
|---|---|---|
| I | C4 Diminished | Diminished |
| II | C♯4 Major | Major |
| III | D♯4 Minor | Minor |
| IV | F4 Minor | Minor |
| V | F♯4 Major | Major |
| VI | G♯4 Major | Major |
| VII | A♯4 Minor | Minor |
Related Scales & Keys
Full Locrian Mode scale reference — all 12 keys with note names, diatonic chords, and key signatures.
Major Scale reference — see how modes relate to the parent major scale.