A♭ Locrian scale
The A♭ Locrian scale is a 7-note locrian scale built on the root A♭. Its notes are A♭, B𝄫, C♭, D♭, E𝄫, F♭ and G♭. 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 A♭ Locrian a great tool for improvising and composing.
Locrian is rare as a tonal centre because of that diminished tonic, but you need to know it for modal theory. Shows up in metal and avant-garde jazz. Built on the root A♭, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where A♭ is a comfortable tonal centre.
A♭ Locrian on the piano
A♭ Locrian on the guitar
A♭ Locrian on the staff
Hear the A♭ Locrian scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the A♭ Locrian scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | A♭(Ab) |
| 2 | 2m | 1 | B𝄫(Bbb) |
| 3 | 3m | 3 | C♭(Cb) |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | D♭(Db) |
| 5 | 5d | 6 | E𝄫(Ebb) |
| 6 | 6m | 8 | F♭(Fb) |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | G♭(Gb) |
Diatonic chords of A♭ Locrian
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
Modes from A♭ Locrian
Each note of this scale produces a different mode with its own character.
How to use the A♭ Locrian scale
The diatonic chords of A♭ Locrian are: i° = A♭°, II = B𝄫, iii = C♭m, iv = D♭m, V = E𝄫, VI = F♭, vii = G♭m. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in A♭ Locrian. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Locrian is rare as a tonal centre because of that diminished tonic, but you need to know it for modal theory. Shows up in metal and avant-garde jazz.
Practice tips
Locrian works best as a theoretical exercise. Spell each diatonic chord and notice why that diminished tonic makes it so unstable.
Famous songs
A♭ Locrian appears throughout locrian is rare as a tonal centre because of that diminished tonic, but you need to know it for modal theory. 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 A♭ Locrian
Once you are comfortable with A♭ Locrian, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with A♭ Locrian and are a natural next step in your study.
Formula & step pattern
The A♭ 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.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the A♭ Locrian scale?
What is the formula for the A♭ Locrian scale?
Is A♭ Locrian a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the A♭ Locrian scale?
Which genres use A♭ Locrian?
How do I practise the A♭ Locrian scale?
Take A♭ Locrian into your music
Build progressions, find chord voicings and improvise with confidence using our music tools.