E Locrian scale
The E Locrian scale is a 7-note locrian scale built on the root E. Its notes are E, F, G, A, B♭, C and D. 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 E 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 E, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key — making it especially useful in genres and registers where E is a comfortable tonal centre.
Formula & step pattern
The E 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.
E Locrian on the piano
E Locrian on the guitar
E Locrian on the staff
Hear the E Locrian scale
Notes of the E Locrian scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | E |
| 2 | 2m | 1 | F |
| 3 | 3m | 3 | G |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | A |
| 5 | 5d | 6 | B♭(Bb) |
| 6 | 6m | 8 | C |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | D |
Diatonic chords of E 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 E Locrian scale
The diatonic chords of E Locrian are: i° = E°, II = F, iii = Gm, iv = Am, V = B♭, VI = C, vii = Dm. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in E 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
E 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 E Locrian
Once you are comfortable with E Locrian, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with E Locrian and are a natural next step in your study.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the E Locrian scale?
What is the formula for the E Locrian scale?
Is E Locrian a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the E Locrian scale?
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Take E Locrian into your music
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