THEORY HELPERE Half Diminished (Locrian ♮2) Scale
Minor 7 flat 5 sound
What is the E 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
E Half Diminished (Locrian ♮2)
MelancholicE 1
F# 2
G 3
A 4
Bb 5
C 6
D 7
Notes:
E -F# -G -A -Bb -C -D
Intervals:
WHWHWW W
Keyboard Visualization
How to Play E Half Diminished (Locrian ♮2) on Piano
Scale Properties
Mood
MelancholicCharacter
Minor 7 flat 5 soundGenres
Jazz, FilmNotes in Scale
7 notes: E, F#, G, A, Bb, C, DCategory
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 E 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 E Half Diminished (Locrian ♮2)
- Jazz standards over half-diminished chords
- Film noir themes
- Modern jazz compositions
Playing Tips
How to Practice the E 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
E in the Circle of Fifths
Major
Minor
Selected