A Locrian Mode
Hear the A Locrian Mode played for you.
A – B♭ – C – D – E♭ – 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 | A | P1 |
| ♭2 | Supertonic | B♭ | m2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | C | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | D | P4 |
| ♭5 | Dominant | E♭ | d5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | F | m6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | G | m7 |
How Locrian Relates to the Major Scale
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C#
D#
F#
G#
A#
C#
D#
F#
G#
A#
Mode
Key
A Locrian uses the same notes as B♭ Major
Relative modes — all share the same notes
B♭ Ionian=C Dorian=D Phrygian=E♭ Lydian=F Mixolydian=G Aeolian=A Locrian
Common Tones
Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the A mode shares with its parallel modes (same root, different scale) helps with improvisation, modal interchange, and smooth voice leading. The more notes two modes share, the more closely related they sound — and the easier it is to slide between them in a solo or progression.
| Parallel Mode | Common Notes | Shared / 7 |
|---|---|---|
| A Dorian | A – B♭ – C – D – E♭ – F – G – A | 8 / 7 |
| A Phrygian | A – B♭ – C – D – E♭ – F – G – A | 8 / 7 |
| A Lydian | A – B♭ – C – D – E♭ – F – G – A | 8 / 7 |
| A Mixolydian | A – B♭ – C – D – E♭ – F – G – A | 8 / 7 |
| A Ionian | A – B♭ – C – D – E♭ | 5 / 7 |
| A Aeolian | A – B♭ – C – D – E♭ | 5 / 7 |
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.
Related Tools
Circle of FifthsVisualize key relationships, relative minors, and key signatures.Chord FinderLook up any chord — see the notes, hear it, and play along.Practice RoomPlug in a MIDI keyboard and get real-time feedback on every chord and scale.Chord DrillTimed drills to build speed and recognition across all chord types.MIDI MonitorLive MIDI message stream with note names, velocity, and a scrolling staff.