A♭ locrian is one of the most unstable and dissonant keys possible, with a diminished 5th that prevents any sense of tonal resolution. It is enharmonically equivalent to G♯ locrian (G♯, A, B, C, D, E, F♯) and is used exclusively over A♭m7♭5 chords in jazz. A♭ locrian is virtually never a tonal center.
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 Ab Locrian are: Abdim, A, Bm, Dbm, D, E, Gbm. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Locrian?
A♭ locrian is one of the most unstable and dissonant keys possible, with a diminished 5th that prevents any sense of tonal resolution. It is enharmonically equivalent to G♯ locrian (G♯, A, B, C, D, E, F♯) and is used exclusively over A♭m7♭5 chords in jazz. A♭ locrian is virtually never a tonal center.
What notes are in the Ab Locrian?
The Ab Locrian contains the notes: Ab, Bbb, Cb, Db, Ebb, Fb, Gb. This is a 7-note scale starting from Ab.
How many chords does the Ab Locrian have?
The Ab Locrian produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Abdim, A, Bm, Dbm, D, E, Gbm.
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
Ab is at the 8 o'clock position. Related keys: Eb (dominant), C# (subdominant), F (relative minor), Bb (supertonic), F# (subtonic).