How do you harmonize the E locrian scale?

To harmonize E locrian, stack thirds from each scale degree to build diatonic chords. This produces triads and seventh chords that naturally fit within the key of E locrian.

E locrian chords

All guitar chords for the E locrian scale

Show scale diagram ↓

Chord Voicings

Harmony

Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.

E locrian scale diatonic chords

IE dim

IIF major

IIIG minor

IVA minor

VB♭ major

VIC major

VIID minor

E locrian scale seventh chords

IE m7♭5

IIF maj7

IIIG m7

IVA m7

VB♭ maj7

VIC 7

VIID m7

scale

Fretboard diagram

E locrian scale — chords and intervals

The harmonized E locrian scale generates the most unstable chord family of all the modes, with a diminished tonic chord that provides no sense of rest. This makes Locrian harmony a specialized tool for creating extreme tension. The chords of E locrian are Em7b5, FMaj7, Gm7, Am7, BbMaj7, C7, Dm7. In practice, Locrian chords are used over half-diminished passages in jazz rather than as a standalone key. The i°-bII movement creates a restless, searching quality useful for transitional sections and building suspense. Commonly used in Jazz, Metal, Experimental, Avant-Garde. Notable players include John Coltrane, Meshuggah, Dream Theater.

The E locrian scale has the following degrees: 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 ♭5 ♭6 ♭7.

Intervals: H-W-W-H-W-W-W.

Diatonic chords: Em7b5, FMaj7, Gm7, Am7, BbMaj7, C7, Dm7.

Degrees	Chord
I	Em7b5
ii	FMaj7
iii	Gm7
IV	Am7
V	BbMaj7
vi	C7
vii°	Dm7

Degree-by-Degree Analysis

The I chord (Em7b5) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (FMaj7) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (Gm7) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (Am7) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (BbMaj7) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (C7) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (Dm7) 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 E locrian 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 scale on guitar.

locrian is the 7th mode of the Major scale. View E Major scale

Related Scales

How to Use This Scale

Use over m7b5 (half-diminished) chords. Essential for jazz ii-V-i in minor keys where the ii chord is half-diminished.