Locrian
Introduction
The Locrian mode is the most dissonant and least used of all modes. It contains a flat 2nd and a flat 5th, making its tonic chord diminished — a rarity in tonal music.
Structure of the Locrian Mode
The Locrian mode is the seventh mode of the major scale.
Formula: 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, ♭5, ♭6, ♭7
Intervals:
- Root
- Minor 2nd
- Minor 3rd
- Perfect 4th
- Diminished 5th
- Minor 6th
- Minor 7th
Interval formula: H – W – W – H – W – W – W
Example:
B Locrian Scale: B – C – D – E – F – G – A – B
Locrian in Action
Iconic Examples:
- “Army of Me” by Björk – Subtle use of Locrian harmony.
- “Heretic” by Soundgarden – Unconventional tonality via Locrian.
- “YYZ” by Rush – Has Locrian-inflected passages.
Chord Quality
Diatonic Triads in Locrian Mode
| Degree | Chord Type | Example (B Locrian) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Diminished | Bdim | B - D - F |
| II | Major | C | C - E - G |
| III | Minor | Dm | D - F - A |
| IV | Minor | Em | E - G - B |
| V | Major | F | F - A - C |
| VI | Minor | Gm | G - B♭ - D |
| VII | Minor | Am | A - C - E |
Diatonic 7th Chords in Locrian Mode
| Degree | Chord Type | Example (B Locrian) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Half-Dim | Bm7♭5 | B - D - F - A |
| II | Major 7 | Cmaj7 | C - E - G - B |
| III | Minor 7 | Dm7 | D - F - A - C |
| IV | Minor 7 | Em7 | E - G - B - D |
| V | Dominant 7 | F7 | F - A - C - E♭ |
| VI | Minor 7 | Gm7 | G - B♭ - D - F |
| VII | Minor 7 | Am7 | A - C - E - G |
Common Progressions
- i-ii: Bdim - C
- i-♭VII-♭VI: Bdim - A - G
- i-iv: Bdim - Em
