D♭ Locrian Mode
Hear the D♭ Locrian Mode played for you.
D♭ – E𝄫 – F♭ – G♭ – A𝄫 – B𝄫 – 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 Db Locrian mode is the seventh mode of the Ebb 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 | D♭ | P1 |
| ♭2 | Supertonic | E𝄫 | m2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | F♭ | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | G♭ | P4 |
| ♭5 | Dominant | A𝄫 | d5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | B𝄫 | m6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | C♭ | 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
C♯ Locrian uses the same notes as D Major
Relative modes — all share the same notes
D Ionian=E Dorian=F♯ Phrygian=G Lydian=A Mixolydian=B Aeolian=C♯ Locrian
Common Tones
Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the D♭ 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 |
|---|---|---|
| D♭ Dorian | D♭ – E𝄫 – F♭ – G♭ – A𝄫 – B𝄫 – C♭ – D♭ | 8 / 7 |
| D♭ Phrygian | D♭ – E𝄫 – F♭ – G♭ – A𝄫 – B𝄫 – C♭ – D♭ | 8 / 7 |
| D♭ Lydian | D♭ – E𝄫 – F♭ – G♭ – A𝄫 – B𝄫 – C♭ – D♭ | 8 / 7 |
| D♭ Mixolydian | D♭ – E𝄫 – F♭ – G♭ – A𝄫 – B𝄫 – C♭ – D♭ | 8 / 7 |
| D♭ Ionian | D♭ – E𝄫 – F♭ – G♭ | 4 / 7 |
| D♭ Aeolian | D♭ – E𝄫 – F♭ – G♭ | 4 / 7 |
D♭ Locrian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Db Locrian mode?
Db Locrian contains: Db, Ebb, Fb, Gb, Abb, Bbb, Cb. Seventh mode of Ebb Major. Enharmonic of C# Locrian.
How does Db Locrian differ from Db Natural Minor?
Flatted 2nd and flatted 5th. The diminished tonic is the hallmark.
What is the parent major scale?
Seventh mode of Ebb Major (enharmonically D Major).
How is Db Locrian used in music?
Over Dbm7b5 chords. Metal, progressive jazz. C# Locrian is more commonly written.
What chords are built from Db Locrian?
Dbdim, Ebb, Fbm, Gbm, Abb, Bbb, Cbm. Diminished tonic.
What songs use Locrian?
Progressive metal, experimental jazz.
Practice Tips
- Db Locrian and C# Locrian are enharmonic.
- Diminished tonic — the most unstable mode.
- Over Dbm7b5 chords in jazz.
- Translate to C# Locrian for easier reading.
- Metal applications for maximum darkness.
- Compare with Db Phrygian.
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.