D Locrian scale
The D Locrian scale has the notes D E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C. Its formula is 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7. It is mode 7 of the E♭ major scale: the same notes, starting on D. Key signature: 3 flats (E♭ A♭ B♭).
Scale notes
| Degree | Formula | Note |
|---|---|---|
| I | 1 | D tonic |
| II | b2 | E♭ |
| III | b3 | F |
| IV | 4 | G |
| V | b5 | A♭ |
| VI | b6 | B♭ |
| VII | b7 | C |
Chords of the scale
| Symbol | Chord | Notes | Chord-scale | Tensions | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iø modal center | Dø | D F A♭ C | Locrian D | 11 (G), b13 (B♭) | b9 (E♭) |
| bIIMaj7 | E♭Maj7 | E♭ G B♭ D | Ionian E♭ | 9 (F), 13 (C) | 11 (A♭) |
| bIIIm7 | Fm7 | F A♭ C E♭ | Dorian F | 9 (G), 11 (B♭), 13 (D) | – |
| IVm7 | Gm7 | G B♭ D F | Phrygian G | 11 (C) | b9 (A♭), b13 (E♭) |
| bVMaj7 | A♭Maj7 | A♭ C E♭ G | Lydian A♭ | 9 (B♭), #11 (D), 13 (F) | – |
| bVI7 | B♭7 | B♭ D F A♭ | Mixolydian B♭ | 9 (C), 13 (G) | 11 (E♭) |
| bVIIm7 | Cm7 | C E♭ G B♭ | Aeolian C | 9 (D), 11 (F) | b13 (A♭) |
Character and characteristic note
The Locrian mode is the seventh mode of the major scale and the darkest and most unstable. It has a flat second and a flat fifth (b5), so its tonic chord is half-diminished (ø) and it is rarely used as a tonal center.
- Effect: unbalanced, very dark.
- Characteristic note: b5.
How to use it
Center Iø. No characteristic chords or move: only the characteristic note b5. There are no Locrian pieces; Inner Urge only holds a -7b5.
Examples
- Inner Urge (only holds a -7b5)
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the D Locrian scale?
D E♭ F G A♭ B♭ C. 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7.
What chords can you build on the D Locrian scale?
The seventh chords on each degree are Iø = Dø, bIIMaj7 = E♭Maj7, bIIIm7 = Fm7, IVm7 = Gm7, bVMaj7 = A♭Maj7, bVI7 = B♭7, bVIIm7 = Cm7.
Which major scale is the D Locrian scale a mode of?
It is mode 7 of the E♭ major scale; they share the same notes.
Other modes on the same tonic
Related scale: E♭ major scale