scale
Fretboard diagram
E locrian pentatonic scale — chords and intervals
Harmonizing the E locrian pentatonic scale generates a dark, unstable chord set built from the most dissonant pentatonic intervals available. The chords of E locrian pentatonic are D suspended second, E diminished, D suspended fourth, Bb (1-♭5-7), G minor. These chords are used in experimental and avant-garde contexts where traditional tonal centers are deliberately avoided. The harmonic tension is constant, making this chord family effective for building dread and unease. Commonly used in Jazz, Fusion, Experimental, Progressive. Notable players include John Scofield, Kurt Rosenwinkel.
The E locrian pentatonic scale has the following degrees: 1 ♭3 4 ♭5 ♭7.
Intervals: 3H-W-H-2W-W.
Diatonic chords: D suspended second, E diminished, D suspended fourth, Bb (1-♭5-7), G minor.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | D suspended second |
| ii | E diminished |
| iii | D suspended fourth |
| IV | Bb (1-♭5-7) |
| V | G minor |
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the E locrian pentatonic 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 E locrian pentatonic scale on guitar.
locrian pentatonic is the Five-note Locrian subset. View E Locrian scale
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over m7b5 (half-diminished) chords. Essential for jazz solos over ii chords in minor ii-V-i progressions.