F♯ Locrian scale

The F♯ Locrian scale has the notes F♯ G A B C D E. Its formula is 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7. It is mode 7 of the G major scale: the same notes, starting on F♯. Key signature: 1 sharp (F♯).

It can also be written as G♭; we use the spelling with fewer accidentals.

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Scale notes

Degree	Formula	Note
I	1	F♯ tonic
II	b2	G
III	b3	A
IV	4	B
V	b5	C
VI	b6	D
VII	b7	E

Chords of the scale

Symbol	Chord	Notes	Chord-scale	Tensions	Avoid
Iø modal center	F♯ø	F♯ A C E	Locrian F♯	11 (B), b13 (D)	b9 (G)
bIIMaj7	GMaj7	G B D F♯	Ionian G	9 (A), 13 (E)	11 (C)
bIIIm7	Am7	A C E G	Dorian A	9 (B), 11 (D), 13 (F♯)	–
IVm7	Bm7	B D F♯ A	Phrygian B	11 (E)	b9 (C), b13 (G)
bVMaj7	CMaj7	C E G B	Lydian C	9 (D), #11 (F♯), 13 (A)	–
bVI7	D7	D F♯ A C	Mixolydian D	9 (E), 13 (B)	11 (G)
bVIIm7	Em7	E G B D	Aeolian E	9 (F♯), 11 (A)	b13 (C)

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 F♯ Locrian scale?

F♯ G A B C D E. 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7.

What chords can you build on the F♯ Locrian scale?

The seventh chords on each degree are Iø = F♯ø, bIIMaj7 = GMaj7, bIIIm7 = Am7, IVm7 = Bm7, bVMaj7 = CMaj7, bVI7 = D7, bVIIm7 = Em7.