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Modes

Locrian Scale

The 7th mode of the major scale. The only mode with a diminished 5th — making it highly unstable and rarely used as a tonal center.

unstabledarktenseexperimental

Hear the Locrian Scale

How to Identify It

The darkest, most unstable mode. Has a diminished feel throughout. Very rarely heard as a home key — usually appears briefly in metal or experimental music.

Famous Examples

  • Lateralus — Tool (sections)
  • YYZ — Rush
  • Experimental and progressive metal
Test your earThe recognition trainer plays random scales — identify them with instant feedback.
Open Trainer →

Locrian in All 12 Keys

CC#D♭DD#E♭EFF#G♭GG#A♭AA#B♭B

Often Confused With

PhrygianModesThe 3rd mode of the major scale. Starts with a half step, gi…Natural MinorDiatonicThe darker counterpart to the major scale. Melancholic, intr…DorianModesThe 2nd mode of the major scale. Minor-sounding but with a r…LydianModesThe 4th mode of the major scale. Like major but with a raise…

About the Locrian Scale

The locrian scale is a modes scale built from the interval pattern 1, 2, 2, 1, 2, 2, 2 (in whole and half steps). The 7th mode of the major scale. The only mode with a diminished 5th — making it highly unstable and rarely used as a tonal center.

To recognise the locrian scale reliably by ear, focus on its characteristic mood — unstable, dark, tense, experimental. Use the player above to hear it in all 12 keys, and the recognition trainer to test yourself against a mixed set of scales.