fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON CLARINET IN BB

D Locrian

Diminished tonic. Rare in practice; theoretical more than functional.

MEIMIDIHumdrum
Choose a root
Tempo120 bpm

Playback sounds a major 2nd below the written notation — the instrument's concert (sounding) pitch.

Audio source: tonejs-instruments by Nick Brosowsky (MIT)

Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 5 title D Locrian Verovio
Keyboard
DFGCDFGCDFGCDE♭A♭B♭E♭A♭B♭E♭A♭B♭
Related scales
Diatonic chord harmonisation
Same scale, other instruments
Same scale, other tonics
Modes built on this tonic
Compare with
Theory reference
Questions
What notes are in the D Locrian scale?

The D Locrian scale uses the notes D, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭, C (one octave; the pattern repeats at higher registers).

What's the Locrian scale formula?

The Locrian scale follows the interval pattern H W W H W W W, where W = whole step (2 semitones) and H = half step (1 semitone). Apply that pattern starting on D to get the D Locrian scale.

What chords work over D Locrian?

Locrian works over m7♭5 (half-diminished) chords — the ii of a minor ii–V–i. Locrian ♮6 is often a better fit.

How do I finger D Locrian on Clarinet in Bb?

On woodwinds, scales train fingering coordination + breath support + register changes. Pay particular attention to the break (the register-key transition); slow practice with a tuner reveals intonation issues across the break.

When would I use the Locrian scale?

Diminished tonic. Rare in practice; theoretical more than functional.