THEORY HELPERD# Half Diminished (Locrian ♮2) Scale
Minor 7 flat 5 sound
What is the D# Half Diminished (Locrian ♮2) Scale?
The Half Diminished scale (Locrian ♮2) is the 6th mode of melodic minor, providing another sophisticated option for m7b5 chords. The natural 2nd creates more melodic possibilities than standard Locrian.
Interval Pattern: W-H-W-H-W-W-W
Scale Notes and Intervals
D# Half Diminished (Locrian ♮2)
MelancholicD# 1
E# 2
F# 3
G# 4
A 5
B 6
C# 7
Notes:
D# -E# -F# -G# -A -B -C#
Intervals:
WHWHWW W
Keyboard Visualization
How to Play D# Half Diminished (Locrian ♮2) on Piano
Scale Properties
Mood
MelancholicCharacter
Minor 7 flat 5 soundGenres
Jazz, FilmNotes in Scale
7 notes: D#, E#, F#, G#, A, B, C#Category
JazzIntervals
W-H-W-H-W-W-WHistory and Origins
The Background of the Half Diminished (Locrian ♮2) Scale
Jazz musicians developed this as an alternative to Locrian ♮6 for half-diminished chords. It offers different melodic possibilities and is particularly effective in certain harmonic contexts.
Musical Characteristics
Key Features of the D# Half Diminished (Locrian ♮2) Scale
- Locrian with natural 2nd
- Melodic option for m7b5
- 6th mode of melodic minor
- Less dark than pure Locrian
Famous Songs Using This Scale
Popular Tracks in D# Half Diminished (Locrian ♮2)
- Jazz standards over half-diminished chords
- Film noir themes
- Modern jazz compositions
Playing Tips
How to Practice the D# Half Diminished (Locrian ♮2) Scale
Think melodic minor up a major 3rd. The natural 2nd provides different melodic options than Locrian ♮6. Compare both scales to find which works better in different contexts.
Circle of Fifths Position
D# in the Circle of Fifths
Major
Minor
Selected