scale
Fretboard diagram
A locrian scale — chords and intervals
The harmonized A locrian scale generates the most unstable chord family of all the modes, with a diminished tonic chord that provides no sense of rest. This makes Locrian harmony a specialized tool for creating extreme tension. The chords of A locrian are Am7b5, BbMaj7, Cm7, Dm7, EbMaj7, F7, Gm7. In practice, Locrian chords are used over half-diminished passages in jazz rather than as a standalone key. The i°-bII movement creates a restless, searching quality useful for transitional sections and building suspense. Commonly used in Jazz, Metal, Experimental, Avant-Garde. Notable players include John Coltrane, Meshuggah, Dream Theater.
The A locrian scale has the following degrees: 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 ♭5 ♭6 ♭7.
Intervals: H-W-W-H-W-W-W.
Diatonic chords: Am7b5, BbMaj7, Cm7, Dm7, EbMaj7, F7, Gm7.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | Am7b5 |
| ii | BbMaj7 |
| iii | Cm7 |
| IV | Dm7 |
| V | EbMaj7 |
| vi | F7 |
| vii° | Gm7 |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (Am7b5) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (BbMaj7) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (Cm7) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (Dm7) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (EbMaj7) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (F7) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (Gm7) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the A locrian scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the A locrian scale on guitar.
locrian is the 7th mode of the Major scale. View A Major scale
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over m7b5 (half-diminished) chords. Essential for jazz ii-V-i in minor keys where the ii chord is half-diminished.