E Locrian scale
The E Locrian scale has the notes E F G A B♭ C D. Its formula is 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7. It is mode 7 of the F major scale: the same notes, starting on E. Key signature: 1 flat (B♭).
It can also be written as F♭; we use the spelling with fewer accidentals.
Scale notes
| Degree | Formula | Note |
|---|---|---|
| I | 1 | E tonic |
| II | b2 | F |
| III | b3 | G |
| IV | 4 | A |
| V | b5 | B♭ |
| VI | b6 | C |
| VII | b7 | D |
Chords of the scale
| Symbol | Chord | Notes | Chord-scale | Tensions | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iø modal center | Eø | E G B♭ D | Locrian E | 11 (A), b13 (C) | b9 (F) |
| bIIMaj7 | FMaj7 | F A C E | Ionian F | 9 (G), 13 (D) | 11 (B♭) |
| bIIIm7 | Gm7 | G B♭ D F | Dorian G | 9 (A), 11 (C), 13 (E) | – |
| IVm7 | Am7 | A C E G | Phrygian A | 11 (D) | b9 (B♭), b13 (F) |
| bVMaj7 | B♭Maj7 | B♭ D F A | Lydian B♭ | 9 (C), #11 (E), 13 (G) | – |
| bVI7 | C7 | C E G B♭ | Mixolydian C | 9 (D), 13 (A) | 11 (F) |
| bVIIm7 | Dm7 | D F A C | Aeolian D | 9 (E), 11 (G) | b13 (B♭) |
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 E Locrian scale?
E F G A B♭ C D. 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7.
What chords can you build on the E Locrian scale?
The seventh chords on each degree are Iø = Eø, bIIMaj7 = FMaj7, bIIIm7 = Gm7, IVm7 = Am7, bVMaj7 = B♭Maj7, bVI7 = C7, bVIIm7 = Dm7.
Which major scale is the E Locrian scale a mode of?
It is mode 7 of the F major scale; they share the same notes.
Other modes on the same tonic
Related scale: F major scale