E Locrian Mode
E – F – G – A – Bb – C – D
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 E Locrian mode is the seventh mode of the F Major scale. It has a diminished quality with flatted second and fifth degrees, the most dissonant of the seven modes.
E Locrian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | E4 | P1 |
| ♭2 | Supertonic | F4 | m2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | G4 | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | A4 | P4 |
| ♭5 | Dominant | Bb4 | d5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | C5 | m6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | D5 | m7 |
| 8 | Octave | E5 | P8 |
E Locrian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the E Locrian mode?
E Locrian contains: E, F, G, A, Bb, C, D. Seventh mode of F Major. Flatted 2nd and 5th.
How does E Locrian differ from E Natural Minor?
Two notes: flatted 2nd (F) and flatted 5th (Bb).
What is the parent major scale?
Seventh mode of F Major.
How is E Locrian used in music?
Over Em7b5. Common in metal — E is the most popular metal root.
What chords are built from E Locrian?
Edim, F, Gm, Am, Bb, C, Dm.
What songs use Locrian?
Progressive metal, experimental jazz.
Practice Tips
- E Locrian is common in metal — E is the standard tuning root.
- The E–F half step and Bb (flatted 5th) create maximum darkness.
- Over Em7b5 in jazz.
- Nearly all white keys plus Bb.
- Compare with E Phrygian — only the 5th differs.
- The darkest possible E mode.