A Locrian Mode
A – Bb – C – D – Eb – F – G
Formula:H-W-W-H-W-W-W
Intervals:P1-m2-m3-P4-d5-m6-m7-P8
Scale Degrees:1-♭2-♭3-4-♭5-♭6-♭7-8
Introduction
The A Locrian mode is the seventh mode of the Bb Major scale. It has a diminished quality with flatted second and fifth degrees, the most dissonant of the seven modes.
A Locrian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | A4 | P1 |
| ♭2 | Supertonic | Bb4 | m2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | C5 | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | D5 | P4 |
| ♭5 | Dominant | Eb5 | d5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | F5 | m6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | G5 | m7 |
| 8 | Octave | A5 | P8 |
A Locrian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the A Locrian mode?
A Locrian contains: A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G. Seventh mode of Bb Major. Flatted 2nd and 5th.
How does A Locrian differ from A Natural Minor?
Two notes: flatted 2nd (Bb) and flatted 5th (Eb).
What is the parent major scale?
Seventh mode of Bb Major.
How is A Locrian used in music?
Over Am7b5. Jazz, metal.
What chords are built from A Locrian?
Adim, Bb, Cm, Dm, Eb, F, Gm.
What songs use Locrian?
Progressive metal, experimental jazz.
Practice Tips
- Diminished tonic — most unstable A mode.
- Over Am7b5 in jazz.
- The flatted 5th (Eb) and 2nd (Bb) define Locrian.
- Nearly all white keys plus Bb and Eb.
- Compare with A Phrygian — only the 5th differs.
- Metal riffs on A–Bb half step.