Eb Locrian Mode

Eb – Fb – Gb – Ab – Bbb – Cb – Db
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 Eb Locrian mode is the seventh mode of the Fb Major scale. It has a diminished quality with flatted second and fifth degrees, the most dissonant of the seven modes.

Eb Locrian Mode Notes

DegreeNameNoteInterval
1TonicEb4P1
♭2SupertonicFb4m2
♭3MediantGb4m3
4SubdominantAb4P4
♭5DominantBbb4d5
♭6SubmediantCb5m6
♭7Leading ToneDb5m7
8OctaveEb5P8

Eb Locrian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the Eb Locrian mode?

Eb Locrian contains: Eb, Fb, Gb, Ab, Bbb, Cb, Db. Seventh mode of Fb Major.

How does Eb Locrian differ from Eb Natural Minor?

Flatted 2nd (Fb) and flatted 5th (Bbb). Diminished tonic.

What is the parent major scale?

Seventh mode of Fb Major (enharmonically E Major).

How is Eb Locrian used in music?

Over Ebm7b5 chords. Metal, progressive jazz.

What chords are built from Eb Locrian?

Ebdim, Fb, Gbm, Abm, Bbb, Cb, Dbm.

What songs use Locrian?

Progressive metal, experimental jazz.

Practice Tips

  • Diminished tonic — most unstable mode.
  • Over Ebm7b5 in jazz.
  • The flatted 5th defines Locrian.
  • Compare with Eb Phrygian.
  • Metal applications.
  • All flats — distinctive shape.