Scale guide
G Locrian - The Locrian Scale
In one sentence: Minor with minor 2nd and diminished 5th. The dark gypsy scale with 2 flats. Evokes sophisticated half-diminished tension and modal jazz mystery. Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock master it. Upper Intermediate.
📊 TECHNICAL SHEET
Level: Upper Intermediate Alterations: 2 flats Key: G_locrian
Formula
- Intervals: H-W-W-W-H-W-W (Major Mode VII)
- Type: Locrian Modal (half-diminished jazz)
- Tonic: G
- Characteristics: Minor 2nd + diminished 5th = "the two dark claws"
Notes
Locrian Scale: 7 notes with minor 2nd (Ab) and diminished 5th, from G.
Fingering - RH (right hand)
| Direction | 1 octave | 2 octaves |
|---|---|---|
| Asc | 1-2-1-2-3-1-2-3 | 1-2-1-2-3-1-2-1-2-1-2-3-1-2-3 |
| Desc | 3-2-1-3-2-1-2-1 | 3-2-1-3-2-1-2-1-3-2-1-3-2-1-2 |
Fingering - LH (left hand)
| Direction | 1 octave | 2 octaves |
|---|---|---|
| Asc | 3-2-1-3-2-1-2-1 | 3-2-1-3-2-1-2-1-3-2-1-3-2-1-2 |
| Desc | 1-2-3-1-2-3-2-3 | 1-2-3-1-2-3-2-3-1-2-3-1-2-3-2 |
🎼 CHORDS AND PROGRESSIONS
i chord: i7b5 (half-diminished) = "maximum tension"
Characteristic progressions:
- Half-Diminished Oscillation: i7b5 ↔ IImaj7 repeated
- Complete Movement: i7b5 → V(b5) → i7b5
- Classic Modal Jazz: i7b5 as tense preparation
🎵 HOW TO PLAY
Essence: The Half-Diminished Tension
G Locrian is the scale of "dark gypsy" color. The two claws (minor 2nd + diminished 5th) create unique sophisticated tension.
Exercise 1: Compare with natural minor to hear the difference in tension.
Exercise 2: Locrian rhythmic pattern: oscillation between i7b5 and IImaj7.
Exercise 3: Dark modal jazz improvisation.
🏛️ HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and John Coltrane explored Locrian in modal jazz, especially in moments of sophisticated tension.
This scale is fundamental in classic modal jazz and contemporary composition.
⚠️ COMMON MISTAKES
| ❌ Mistake | ✅ Correction |
|---|---|
| Confusing Locrian with natural minor | Locrian has minor 2nd + diminished 5th (two claws) |
| Ignoring the tension of the diminished 5th | The diminished 5th is critical. Bring out its character |
| Inconsistent fingering | Practice slowly |
| Playing without jazz sophistication | Locrian is jazz. Look for swing, not speed |