Ab Locrian Mode
Ab – Bbb – Cb – Db – Ebb – Fb – Gb
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 Ab Locrian mode is the seventh mode of the Bbb Major scale. It has a diminished quality with flatted second and fifth degrees, the most dissonant of the seven modes.
Ab Locrian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | Ab4 | P1 |
| ♭2 | Supertonic | Bbb4 | m2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | Cb5 | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | Db5 | P4 |
| ♭5 | Dominant | Ebb5 | d5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | Fb5 | m6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | Gb5 | m7 |
| 8 | Octave | Ab5 | P8 |
Ab Locrian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Ab Locrian mode?
Ab Locrian contains: Ab, Bbb, Cb, Db, Ebb, Fb, Gb. Seventh mode of Bbb Major.
How does Ab Locrian differ from Ab Natural Minor?
Flatted 2nd (Bbb) and flatted 5th (Ebb).
What is the parent major scale?
Seventh mode of Bbb Major (enharmonically A Major).
How is Ab Locrian used in music?
Over Abm7b5. Jazz, metal.
What chords are built from Ab Locrian?
Abdim, Bbb, Cbm, Dbm, Ebb, Fb, Gbm.
What songs use Locrian?
Progressive metal, experimental jazz.
Practice Tips
- Diminished tonic.
- Over Abm7b5 in jazz.
- The flatted 5th defines Locrian.
- Mostly black keys — distinctive shape.
- Compare with Ab Phrygian.
- Metal applications.