A locrian (A, B♭, C, D, E♭, F, G) has two flats in its key signature and its diminished 5th (E♭) creates maximum harmonic instability. It is used over Am7♭5 chords in jazz, particularly in ii–V–i progressions in G minor. A locrian is the most dissonant of all diatonic modes and almost never a home key.
Locrian is the only mode with both a flattened 2nd and flattened 5th, creating a diminished tonic chord that resists resolution. These two intervals produce maximum harmonic instability — the sound of tension without release.
The seven diatonic modes — parallel modes starting from the same root with different interval patterns. Each mode has a unique character derived from the major scale.
The diatonic chords in A Locrian are: Adim, Bb, Cm, Dm, Eb, F, Gm. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Locrian?
A locrian (A, B♭, C, D, E♭, F, G) has two flats in its key signature and its diminished 5th (E♭) creates maximum harmonic instability. It is used over Am7♭5 chords in jazz, particularly in ii–V–i progressions in G minor. A locrian is the most dissonant of all diatonic modes and almost never a home key.
What notes are in the A Locrian?
The A Locrian contains the notes: A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G. This is a 7-note scale starting from A.
How many chords does the A Locrian have?
The A Locrian produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Adim, Bb, Cm, Dm, Eb, F, Gm.
What is the formula for the Locrian?
The Locrian follows the interval formula: H-W-W-H-W-W-W (W = whole step, H = half step).
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Position in circle of fifths
A is at the 3 o'clock position. Related keys: E (dominant), D (subdominant), F# (relative minor), B (supertonic), G (subtonic).