D Locrian Mode
D – Eb – F – G – Ab – Bb – C
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 D Locrian mode is the seventh mode of the Eb Major scale. It has a diminished quality with flatted second and fifth degrees, the most dissonant of the seven modes.
D Locrian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | D4 | P1 |
| ♭2 | Supertonic | Eb4 | m2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | F4 | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | G4 | P4 |
| ♭5 | Dominant | Ab4 | d5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | Bb4 | m6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | C5 | m7 |
| 8 | Octave | D5 | P8 |
D Locrian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the D Locrian mode?
D Locrian contains: D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C. Seventh mode of Eb Major. Flatted 2nd and 5th.
How does D Locrian differ from D Natural Minor?
Two notes: flatted 2nd (Eb) and flatted 5th (Ab). Diminished tonic.
What is the parent major scale?
Seventh mode of Eb Major.
How is D Locrian used in music?
Over Dm7b5 chords. Metal, progressive jazz.
What chords are built from D Locrian?
Ddim, Eb, Fm, Gm, Ab, Bb, Cm.
What songs use Locrian?
Progressive metal, experimental jazz.
Practice Tips
- Diminished tonic — nothing feels resolved.
- Over Dm7b5 in jazz — primary application.
- The flatted 5th (Ab) is the key difference from Phrygian.
- Compare D Locrian with D Phrygian — only the 5th differs.
- Metal riffs on the D–Eb half step.
- The darkest possible D mode.