A Locrian #2 Scale: Degrees, Notes, Intervals, and Practical Use

A Locrian #2 — softer Locrian from “A” with natural 2. Fits ii m7b5 in minor. Keep b5 above bass, maintain clarity on top.

To visually explore a scale, use the interactive circle of fifths — it shows the relationships between notes, chords, and degrees, helping you understand its structure. Next to the circle, you’ll find the guitar fretboard, where all notes of the selected mode are displayed in the same colors as on the circle. Below, you can see the chords that belong to this scale — with degree labels and chord shape thumbnails that you can open and listen to. You can change the guitar tuning, fretboard orientation, and the display mode for notes or intervals. Detailed instructions on how to use the tool are available on the main Circle of Fifths page — check it out to make the most of all its features.

A Locrian #2 · Softer Locrian

biiibVIIivii°bvbVICGDAEBGbDbAbEbBbFmMmdimdimaugM

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0123456FGABCDEbFGABCDEbFGABCDEbFGAEBGDAE
i
Adim
0123452310EBGDAE
ii
Bdim
01234510402EBGDAE
biii
Cm
01234534012EBGDAE
iv
Dm
0123451320EBGDAE
bv
Ebaug
0123453001EBGDAE
bVI
F
012345112431EBGDAE
bVII
G
012345300012EBGDAE

Formula and Intervals of the A Locrian #2 Scale

Degree formula: 1 — 2 — b3 — 4 — b5 — b6 — b7. Interval pattern between adjacent degrees: 2 — 1 — 2 — 1 — 2 — 2 — 2. The scale includes the following notes:

  • A — tonic, the main anchor of the mode.

  • B — gentle melodic extension and natural upward step.

  • C — minor third, lyrical tone and soft drama.

  • D — quartal spice, best separated from 3 by voice leading.

  • Eb — diminished fifth, avoid in bass for transparency.

  • F — minor sixth, soft pull to 5 and warm tone.

  • G — dominant pull toward tonic, typical of Mixolydian.

Together these degrees form the core of the A Locrian #2 mode and define its musical character.

Chords within the A Locrian #2 Scale

Below are the basic diatonic chords that naturally occur on each degree. Use them as a palette for your progressions, keep the bass stable, and highlight color tones in the upper voice.

  • Adim — 1

  • Bdim — 2

  • Cm — b3

  • Dm — 4

  • Ebaug — b5

  • F — b6

  • G — b7

This set forms a solid modal framework: combine triads and seventh chords, add 9/11/13 for color, and separate 3rds from 11ths for cleaner harmony.

Alternative Names of the A Locrian #2 Scale

This mode may appear under other names:

  • A Locrian #2 (for ii m7b5)

All variations point to the same modal structure.

How to Use the A Locrian #2 Scale

Natural 2 softens the mode and clarifies iiø7. Keep b5 above bass. Maintain clean top and avoid heavy low register.

Conclusion

A Locrian #2 is a recognizable mode with clear logic of use. Study the formula and intervals, keep color tones in the top voice, build diatonic chords, and try integrating the mode into your own progressions — this way you’ll develop a confident and expressive sound faster.