G locrian (G, A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E♭, F) has four flats in its key signature and its diminished 5th (D♭) creates the unresolved, unstable quality that defines the locrian mode. It is used over Gm7♭5 chords in jazz ii–V–i progressions. G locrian is almost never used as a standalone 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 G Locrian are: Gdim, Ab, Bbm, Cm, Db, Eb, Fm. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Locrian?
G locrian (G, A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E♭, F) has four flats in its key signature and its diminished 5th (D♭) creates the unresolved, unstable quality that defines the locrian mode. It is used over Gm7♭5 chords in jazz ii–V–i progressions. G locrian is almost never used as a standalone tonal center.
What notes are in the G Locrian?
The G Locrian contains the notes: G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F. This is a 7-note scale starting from G.
How many chords does the G Locrian have?
The G Locrian produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Gdim, Ab, Bbm, Cm, Db, Eb, Fm.
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).
Page detail levelSimple keeps pages short: extra theory and advanced controls stay tucked away until you open them. Everything shows every section and control at once.
Position in circle of fifths
G is at the 1 o'clock position. Related keys: D (dominant), C (subdominant), E (relative minor), A (supertonic), F (subtonic).