D Locrian scale
The D Locrian scale is a 7-note locrian scale built on the root D. Its notes are D, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭ and C. The unstable seventh mode — diminished tonic and a flat fifth, rarely used as tonal centre. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make D Locrian a powerful tool for improvising and composing.
Locrian is rare as a tonal centre because of its diminished tonic, but it is essential for understanding modal theory and shows up in metal and avant-garde jazz. Built on the root D, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key — making it especially useful in genres and registers where D is a comfortable tonal centre.
Formula & step pattern
The D Locrian scale follows a minor scale with a flat second and a flat fifth (H-W-W-H-W-W-W). Step pattern: H - W - W - H - W - W - W. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2m · 3m · 4P · 5d · 6m · 7m. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
D Locrian on the piano
D Locrian on the guitar
D Locrian on the staff
Hear the D Locrian scale
Notes of the D Locrian scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | D |
| 2 | 2m | 1 | E♭(Eb) |
| 3 | 3m | 3 | F |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | G |
| 5 | 5d | 6 | A♭(Ab) |
| 6 | 6m | 8 | B♭(Bb) |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | C |
Diatonic chords of D Locrian
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
How to use the D Locrian scale
The diatonic chords of D Locrian are: i° = D°, II = E♭, iii = Fm, iv = Gm, V = A♭, VI = B♭, vii = Cm. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in D Locrian. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Locrian is rare as a tonal centre because of its diminished tonic, but it is essential for understanding modal theory and shows up in metal and avant-garde jazz.
Practice tips
Locrian is best learned as a theoretical exercise: spell each diatonic chord and notice why the diminished tonic makes it unstable.
Famous songs in this key
D Locrian appears throughout locrian is rare as a tonal centre because of its diminished tonic, but it is essential for understanding modal theory and shows up in metal and avant-garde jazz. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Scales related to D Locrian
Once you are comfortable with D Locrian, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with D Locrian and are a natural next step in your study.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the D Locrian scale?
What is the formula for the D Locrian scale?
Is D Locrian a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the D Locrian scale?
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Take D Locrian into your music
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