The D♯ Locrian scale contains seven notes: D♯, E, F♯, G♯, A, B, and C♯. It follows the whole-step / half-step pattern H-W-W-H-W-W-W.
The D♯ Locrian mode is the seventh mode of the E 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 |
Diatonic Chords in the D♯ Locrian Mode
These are the triads built on each degree of the D♯ Locrian Mode:
How Locrian Relates to the Major Scale
Mode
Key
D♯ Locrian uses the same notes as E Major
Relative modes — all share the same notes
E Ionian=F♯ Dorian=A♭ Phrygian=A Lydian=B Mixolydian=C♯ Aeolian=E♭ 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 D# Locrian mode?
D# Locrian is the seventh mode of its parent major scale. The flatted 5th is the defining characteristic.
How is D# Locrian used in music?
D# Locrian has a unstable, dissonant, dark sound. Common in metal, progressive jazz.
What is the characteristic note of Locrian?
The flatted 5th distinguishes Locrian from other modes. This single note defines the mode's character.
What chords are built from D# Locrian?
Diatonic chords are built by stacking thirds from each scale degree. The characteristic chord highlights the mode's unique sound.