fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON TUBA

F♭ Locrian

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

MEIMIDIHumdrum
Choose a root
Meter:Octave per barCrotchets in 4/4Quavers in 4/4Triplets in 4/4
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 3 title F♭ Locrian
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 2 3 4 5 title F♭ Locrian
Verovio
Tempo120 bpm

Audio source: synthesised in-browser via Tone.js (MIT)

FingeringFollows the scale as it plays — written pitch, matches the staff
F♭1234partial 2
Harmonic seriesTube of the tonic fingering — F♭ sounds partial 2
partial 1 — E0 (+0¢)1partial 2 — E1 (+0¢)2partial 3 — B1 (+2¢)3partial 4 — E2 (+0¢)4partial 5 — G♯2 (-14¢)5partial 6 — B2 (+2¢)6partial 7 — D3 (-31¢)7-31¢partial 8 — E3 (+0¢)8partial 9 — F♯3 (+4¢)9partial 10 — G♯3 (-14¢)10partial 11 — A♯3 (-49¢)11-49¢partial 12 — B3 (+2¢)12
Related scales
Diatonic chord harmonisation
Same scale, other instruments
Same scale, other tonics
Modes built on this tonic
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Theory reference
Questions
What notes are in the F♭ Locrian scale?

The F♭ Locrian scale uses the notes F♭, G𝄫, A𝄫, B𝄫, C𝄫, D𝄫, E𝄫 (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 F♭ to get the F♭ Locrian scale.

What chords work over F♭ 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 F♭ Locrian on Tuba?

On brass, scales train embouchure + valve / slide coordination across the partials. Slow practice with a tuner reveals intonation tendencies (e.g., the 5th partial sharp on trumpet).

When would I use the Locrian scale?

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