THEORY HELPERA Locrian Scale
Dissonant, unresolved, dark
What is the A Locrian Scale?
The Locrian mode is the darkest and most unstable of all modes, featuring both a flat 2nd and a flat 5th. This creates a diminished, unresolved quality that makes it challenging to use but powerful for creating extreme tension.
Interval Pattern: H-W-W-H-W-W-W
Scale Notes and Intervals
A Locrian
UnstableA 1
Bb 2
C 3
D 4
Eb 5
F 6
G 7
Notes:
A -Bb -C -D -Eb -F -G
Intervals:
HWWHWW W
Keyboard Visualization
How to Play A Locrian on Piano
Scale Properties
Mood
UnstableCharacter
Dissonant, unresolved, darkGenres
Metal, Experimental, Math Rock, Djent, Noise, IndustrialNotes in Scale
7 notes: A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F, GCategory
ModesIntervals
H-W-W-H-W-W-WHistory and Origins
The Background of the Locrian Scale
Named after the Locrians of ancient Greece, this mode was rarely used in traditional music due to its instability. It found a home in heavy metal and experimental music where its dissonance became a feature rather than a flaw.
Musical Characteristics
Key Features of the A Locrian Scale
- Flat 2nd and flat 5th degrees
- Most unstable mode
- Diminished tonic triad
- Creates extreme tension and darkness
Famous Songs Using This Scale
Popular Tracks in A Locrian
- Army of Me - Bjork
- YYZ - Rush
- Dust to Dust - John Kirkpatrick
- Enter Sandman intro - Metallica
Playing Tips
How to Practice the A Locrian Scale
Use sparingly for maximum impact. The diminished 5th makes traditional resolution impossible. Works over half-diminished chords. Great for creating tension before resolving to another mode.
Circle of Fifths Position
A in the Circle of Fifths
Major
Minor
Selected