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Mode · Reference entry

F♯ Locrian Mode

Locrian mode · F♯ – G – A – B – C – D – E · intervals P1-m2-m3-P4-d5-m6-m7-P8

The F♯ Locrian Mode contains the notes F♯, G, A, B, C, D, and E. Its step pattern is H-W-W-H-W-W-W. A minor scale with both flatted 2nd and 5th — the darkest mode, rarely used as a tonic.

At the keyboard

F# · G · A · B · C · D · E
Flashcards · Scale
Three questions on F♯ Locrian Mode
Answer on the keyboard, not with buttons. No login required.

The F♯ Locrian scale contains seven notes: F♯, G, A, B, C, D, and E. It follows the whole-step / half-step pattern H-W-W-H-W-W-W.

The F♯ Locrian mode is the seventh mode of the G Major scale. It has a diminished quality with flatted second and fifth degrees, the most dissonant of the seven modes.

F♯ Locrian Mode Notes

DegreeNameNoteInterval
1TonicF♯P1
♭2SupertonicGm2
♭3MediantAm3
4SubdominantBP4
♭5DominantCd5
♭6SubmediantDm6
♭7Leading ToneEm7

Key Signature

The F♯ Locrian Mode draws its notes from G Major, so it is written with that key signature: 1 sharp (F♯).

F♯

Order of sharps

Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.

FCGDAEB

Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle

Diatonic Chords in the F♯ Locrian Mode

These are the triads built on each degree of the F♯ Locrian Mode:

C1C2C3C4ACC6C7C8F#
F♯ Diminished (diminished)
DegreeNumeralChordQuality
1F♯ DiminishedDiminished
2IIG MajorMajor
3iiiA MinorMinor
4ivB MinorMinor
5VC MajorMajor
6VID MajorMajor
7viiE MinorMinor

How Locrian Relates to the Major Scale

C1C2C3CDEGABCDEGABC6C7C8F#F#
Mode
Key

F♯ Locrian uses the same notes as G Major

Relative modes — all share the same notes
G Ionian=A Dorian=B Phrygian=C Lydian=D Mixolydian=E Aeolian=F♯ Locrian

Common Tones

Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the F♯ 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 ModeCommon NotesShared / 7
F♯ DorianF♯ – G – A – B – C – D – E – F♯8 / 7
F♯ PhrygianF♯ – G – A – B – C – D – E – F♯8 / 7
F♯ LydianF♯ – G – A – B – C – D – E – F♯8 / 7
F♯ MixolydianF♯ – G – A – B – C – D – E – F♯8 / 7
F♯ IonianF♯ – G – A – B4 / 7
F♯ AeolianF♯ – G – A3 / 7

F♯ Locrian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the F# Locrian mode?
F# Locrian is the seventh mode of its parent major scale. The flatted 5th is the defining characteristic.
How is F# Locrian used in music?
F# 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 F# Locrian?
Diatonic chords are built by stacking thirds from each scale degree. The characteristic chord highlights the mode's unique sound.

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.
Entry reviewed and maintained by Justin Evans. Corrections are read and applied.Report an error

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