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

A Locrian — rare center with diminished 5 from “A”, tense and experimental. Used mostly as a color or passing sound. Avoid b5 in bass, keep top clear.

Formula and Intervals of the A Locrian Scale

Degree formula: 1 — b2 — b3 — 4 — b5 — b6 — b7. Interval pattern between adjacent degrees: 1 — 2 — 2 — 1 — 2 — 2 — 2. The scale includes the following notes:

• A — tonic, the main anchor of the mode.
• Bb — spicy minor touch, characteristic of the Phrygian sound.
• 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 mode and define its musical character.

Chords within the A Locrian 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
• Bb — b2
• Cm — b3
• Dm — 4
• Eb — b5
• F — b6
• Gm — 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 Scale

This mode may appear under other names:

• A Locrian Minor

All variations point to the same modal structure.

How to Use the A Locrian Scale

Avoid b5 in bass: keep it higher. Use as a passing color or in diminished chains. Maintain clarity in top voice and light bass.

Conclusion

A Locrian 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.