D locrian (D, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭, C) has three flats in its key signature and its diminished 5th (A♭) creates maximum instability and harmonic tension. It is used over Dm7♭5 chords in jazz, particularly as the ii chord in C minor ii–V–i progressions. D locrian is the least stable of all diatonic modes.
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 D Locrian are: Ddim, Eb, Fm, Gm, Ab, Bb, Cm. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Locrian?
D locrian (D, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭, C) has three flats in its key signature and its diminished 5th (A♭) creates maximum instability and harmonic tension. It is used over Dm7♭5 chords in jazz, particularly as the ii chord in C minor ii–V–i progressions. D locrian is the least stable of all diatonic modes.
What notes are in the D Locrian?
The D Locrian contains the notes: D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C. This is a 7-note scale starting from D.
How many chords does the D Locrian have?
The D Locrian produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Ddim, Eb, Fm, Gm, Ab, Bb, Cm.
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
D is at the 2 o'clock position. Related keys: A (dominant), G (subdominant), B (relative minor), E (supertonic), C (subtonic).