scale
Fretboard diagram
D locrian #2 scale — chords and intervals
The harmonized D locrian #2 scale produces a more melodic half-diminished chord family, with a natural second degree that enables smoother voice leading than standard Locrian. The chords from D locrian #2 are D diminished, E diminished, F minor, G minor, Ab augmented, Bb major, C major. Jazz musicians prefer these chords for ii-V-i progressions in minor keys. The natural 2 allows for more singable melodic lines over the half-diminished chord, making this the standard choice for minor ii-V resolution. Commonly used in Jazz, Post-Bop, Contemporary. Notable players include John Coltrane, Woody Shaw, Steve Coleman.
The D locrian #2 scale has the following degrees: 1 2 ♭3 4 ♭5 ♭6 ♭7.
Intervals: W-H-W-H-W-W-W.
Diatonic chords: D diminished, E diminished, F minor, G minor, Ab augmented, Bb major, C major.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | D diminished |
| ii | E diminished |
| iii | F minor |
| IV | G minor |
| V | Ab augmented |
| vi | Bb major |
| vii° | C major |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (D diminished) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (E diminished) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (F minor) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (G minor) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (Ab augmented) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (Bb major) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (C major) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the D locrian #2 scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the D locrian #2 scale on guitar.
locrian #2 is the 6th mode of the Melodic Minor scale. View D Melodic minor scale
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over m7b5 chords. The preferred jazz choice over half-diminished chords (vs standard Locrian which sounds too harsh).