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Mode · Reference entry

G Locrian Mode

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

The G Locrian Mode contains the notes G, A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E♭, and F. 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

G · Ab · Bb · C · Db · Eb · F
Flashcards · Scale
Three questions on G Locrian Mode
Answer on the keyboard, not with buttons. No login required.

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

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

G Locrian Mode Notes

DegreeNameNoteInterval
1TonicGP1
♭2SupertonicA♭m2
♭3MediantB♭m3
4SubdominantCP4
♭5DominantD♭d5
♭6SubmediantE♭m6
♭7Leading ToneFm7

Key Signature

The G Locrian Mode draws its notes from Ab Major, so it is written with that key signature: 4 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭).

B♭E♭A♭D♭

Order of flats

Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.

BEADGCF

Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father

Diatonic Chords in the G Locrian Mode

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

C1C2C3C4GC5C6C7C8A#C#
G Diminished (diminished)
DegreeNumeralChordQuality
1G DiminishedDiminished
2IIA♭ MajorMajor
3iiiB♭ MinorMinor
4ivC MinorMinor
5VD♭ MajorMajor
6VIE♭ MajorMajor
7viiF MinorMinor

How Locrian Relates to the Major Scale

C1C2C3CFGCFGC6C7C8C#D#G#A#C#D#G#A#
Mode
Key

G Locrian uses the same notes as A♭ Major

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

Common Tones

Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the G 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
G DorianG – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G8 / 7
G PhrygianG – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G8 / 7
G LydianG – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G8 / 7
G MixolydianG – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G8 / 7
G IonianG – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭5 / 7
G AeolianG – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭5 / 7

G Locrian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the G Locrian mode?
G Locrian contains: G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F. Seventh mode of Ab Major. Flatted 2nd and 5th.
How does G Locrian differ from G Natural Minor?
Two notes: flatted 2nd (Ab) and flatted 5th (Db).
What is the parent major scale?
Seventh mode of Ab Major.
How is G Locrian used in music?
Over Gm7b5. Jazz, metal, progressive.
What chords are built from G Locrian?
Gdim, Ab, Bbm, Cm, Db, Eb, Fm.
What songs use Locrian?
Progressive metal, experimental jazz.

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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