B Locrian

mode

At a Glance

Piano

Fretboard

What It Is

Natural minor with a lowered 2nd and lowered 5th degree - degree 7 of the major scale. Notes: B, C, D, E, F, G, A.

The only mode with a diminished (not perfect) 5th above the tonic, making the tonic triad itself diminished and unstable.

Unstable and unsettled - the only mode whose own tonic chord is dissonant, so it rarely feels like 'home.'

Real song examples aren't available yet - check back soon.

Review this concept with a spaced-repetition flashcard.

Ask the Theory Tutor anything about this concept.