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Locrian Mode

 

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Last updated on: 2009-08-19 4:21 PM

The Locrian mode is a seven note scale with a numeric formula of 1-Flat symbol2-Flat symbol3-4-Flat symbol5-Flat symbol6-Flat symbol7-8/1 and is the seventh of seven modes from the Ionian/major scale. Along with Aeolian, Dorian and Phrygian, the Locrian mode has a minor tonalilty and is essentialy a natural minor scale with a minor second and diminished fifth degrees.

Locrian Mode Profile

Numeric Formula 1-Flat symbol2-Flat symbol3-4-Flat symbol5-Flat symbol6-Flat symbol7-8/1
Notation Formula (key of C) C-DFlat symbol-EFlat symbol-F-GFlat symbol-AFlat symbol-BFlat symbol-C/1
Stepping half / whole / whole / half / whole / whole / whole
Tonal semitone / tone / tone / semi-tone / tone / tone / tone
Harmonized Triads (key of C) CDiminished symbol/ DFlat symbol / EFlat symbolmi / Fmi / GFlat symbol / AFlat symbol / BFlat symbolmi
Harmonized Tetrads (key of C) Cmi7(Flat symbol5) / DFlat symbolMA7 / EFlat symbolmi7 / Fmi7 / GFlat symbolMA7 / AFlat symbol7 / BFlat symbolmi7

Locrian Mode Scale Patterns

The scales below are not shown in any particular key, they are patterns which can be moved around the guitar neck freely using the tonic (circled dot) as your navigator. See example below.

  • How to use
  • As an example, let's say you require a D major scale
  • After playing all the major scale patterns, you decide on pattern #2
  • Pattern #2 has it's root on the 5th string so you need to find the D note on this string
  • Click the notes on the neck chart tab and find the D note on the 5th fret (5th string)
  • Now play the D major scale using pattern #2 on the 5th fret
  • Use the Octave chart tab to help you remember which notes are where
  • Use the Scale chart help tab if your a beginner at reading scale charts
Locrian mode scale pattern 1
Locrian mode scale pattern 2
Locrian mode scale pattern 3
Locrian mode scale pattern 4
Locrian mode scale pattern 5
Scale chart help
Notes on the guitar neck chart (lite version)
Octaves chart

Using octaves to learn notes on the guitar neck

  1. First determine which chord you require, let's use a B major chord in this example.
  2. We know the root note is B, (if it were an A major chord the root note would be A and for Cma7 it would be C, etc etc)
  3. Using the notes on the guitar neck chart, find the B note on the 6th string, 7th fret.
  4. Now using the major scale patterns chart, look for pattern #4 which has it's root note on the 6th string and play it, your done!
  5. Remember, learning and memorizing notes, chord voicings and scales in this way will improve your playing skills, theoretical knowledge and desirability as a band member.

Locrian Mode Audio Sample(s)

To download audio sample(s) for later listening, right click on the MP3 link, then from the context menu that appears select Save Target As (Internet Explorer) or Save Link As (Firefox).

Audio Sample Name Flash MP3
C Locrian Mode Scale Pattern #4 c-locrian-mode-scale-pattern-4.mp3

Related Lessons & Resources

External Resources